'Politics Can Limit Creativity': Imtiaz Ali Explains Why He Chooses to Stay Apolitical

Acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has described himself as "apolitical," saying that adhering to a fixed political ideology can limit a storyteller's perspective. Known for films like Jab We Met, Rockstar, Highway, and Amar Singh Chamkila, the director said his focus has always been on exploring human emotions rather than promoting political viewpoints.

'I'm Apolitical,' Says Imtiaz

In a recent interview, Imtiaz Ali shared that he does not identify with any political ideology. According to him, filmmaking requires an open mind, and becoming too closely aligned with a particular political agenda can restrict creativity.

He explained that stories are best told when filmmakers remain curious about different perspectives instead of approaching subjects with predetermined conclusions. Ali believes cinema should encourage audiences to think and feel rather than simply reinforce a political narrative.

Cinema Beyond Politics

The filmmaker said his interest lies in telling stories that reflect human relationships, personal growth, love, identity, and emotional conflict. He added that while films may naturally touch upon social or political issues, he prefers not to create stories driven by ideological positions.

Imtiaz emphasized that every individual has the freedom to hold political opinions, but he personally chooses to keep politics separate from his creative process. According to him, remaining open to diverse viewpoints helps him create more authentic and relatable characters.

A Career Built on Human Stories

Over the years, Imtiaz Ali has earned praise for directing films that focus on self-discovery and emotional journeys. Movies such as Jab We Met, Rockstar, Tamasha, Highway, and Amar Singh Chamkila have resonated with audiences because of their layered characters and heartfelt storytelling.

His latest comments have sparked discussions on social media, with some supporting his belief that art should remain independent of political ideology, while others argued that cinema inevitably reflects the social and political realities of its time.

Despite the differing opinions, Imtiaz maintained that he prefers approaching every story with curiosity instead of a fixed viewpoint. He believes this creative freedom allows him to better understand people and present more nuanced narratives on screen.