'I was lucky...': Imtiaz Ali calls Bhagvad Gita an 'important thing in his life'

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is one of the most acclaimed directors of Indian cinema. Over the years, his unique stories, artistic skills, and the way he incorporates soothing romance with compelling characters on the big screen have made him different from other filmmakers. Imtiaz's last offering Amar Singh Chamkila - starring Diljeet Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra - earned rave reviews from critics and audiences.

In his recent interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Imtiaz revealed that how Rig Veda and Bhagavad Gita had a great impact on him and his life.

Rajinikanth visits Badrinath and Kedarnath, poses in Thalaivaa style amidst the moutains

Imtiaz Ali: Bhagavad Gita has also been an important book in my life

Recalling how he bought Gita when he was in sixth grade, the Jab We Metdirector said, “I couldn’t move past it; I understood what it meant. Bhagavad Gita has also been an important book in my life, it’s still that book I keep on my table. In sixth grade, I was travelling alone by train and money was tight. And ironically it was the only book I could afford to buy at the railway station. I also thought people around me would find it weird and wonder why I was reading it.”

''There were a few things I had to re-read ten times to understand, but I understood it. I would read a few pages every day. It’s now deep within me; I'm lucky I was exposed at such a young age. It has helped me understand people better. I’ve read other religious texts too. They’re interesting and entertaining, if I find a nugget that resonates with me, it makes my day,” he said.

Rajinikanth visits Badrinath and Kedarnath, poses in Thalaivaa style amidst the moutains

Adding that Gita has been an important thing in his life, the director said, ''Bhagvad Gita has been an important thing in my life. It has been the small book that has always been kept on my side table. It was miraculous that I was lucky to get exposed to it.”

Further, Imtiaz revealed that he reads other religious texts as well, sharing thatRig Veda has been one of the books he reads daily.

In a career spanning over decades, Ali has given films like Jab We Met (2007), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Rockstar (2011), Highway (2014), Tamasha (2015), and most recent Amar Singh Chamkila.