Imtiaz Ali (born 16 June 1971) is an Indian film director, writer and producer who works in Hindi cinema. His films are usually love stories built around travel and self-discovery, with memorable music, among them Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Rockstar, Highway and Tamasha. His biographical film Amar Singh Chamkila (2024) was widely acclaimed.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Imtiaz Ali |
| Born | 16 June 1971, Jamshedpur, Bihar (now Jharkhand), India |
| Age | 55 |
| Occupation | Film director, writer, producer |
| Education | St. Michael’s High School, Patna; D.B.M.S. English School, Jamshedpur; Hindu College, Delhi |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Spouse | Preety Ali (div.) |
| Children | 1 (Ida) |
| Siblings | Arif Ali and Sajid Ali (filmmakers) |
Early Life
Ali grew up in Jamshedpur and Patna. In Jamshedpur his family home adjoined a cinema owned by relatives, and he could hear the films through the wall. At Hindu College in Delhi he revived the dramatics society, Ibtida, and wrote and directed plays. He then took a diploma in advertising in Mumbai.
Career
He began by directing television programmes, including Kurukshetra and Imtihaan for Zee TV and Doordarshan.
His first film was Socha Na Tha (2005). Jab We Met (2007), with Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor as the talkative Geet, was a sleeper hit that has become a modern classic. Love Aaj Kal (2009) with Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone was a major success. Rockstar (2011), with Ranbir Kapoor and a soundtrack by A. R. Rahman, and Highway (2014), with Alia Bhatt, are regarded as among his best. Tamasha (2015) gained a devoted following; Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) and a second Love Aaj Kal (2020) did poorly.
Released on Netflix in April 2024, the film tells the story of the Punjabi folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila, who was shot dead with his wife in 1988, with Diljit Dosanjh in the title role. It was the most admired Hindi film of the year and swept the Filmfare OTT awards.
He wrote Cocktail (2012) and Laila Majnu (2018), created the series She and produces through Window Seat Films.
Personal Life
Ali has a daughter, Ida, who is also a filmmaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Imtiaz Ali born?
Imtiaz Ali was born on 16 June 1971 in Jamshedpur, Bihar (now Jharkhand), India and is 55 years old.
What is Imtiaz Ali’s occupation?
Occupation: Film director, writer, producer.
Featured image: Imtiaz Ali speaks at the Horasis Global India Business Meeting, Antwerp, June 2012. Photo by Frank-Jürgen Richter, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
