The hottest director in town, Imtiaz Ali speaks about films, love, life and other things...
 
Do you see yourself getting wiser after spending time in this industry?
I am more transparent now. However, there is a change that I don't like. I used to be much more confident than I am now. I used to think whatever I do, I am right. But now I am exposed to so much more, I feel like a pebble on the beach. But then and now I have always felt that I am immature and stupid. I always wanted to belong to that group of people who are smart. Even now I am trying. I want to belong.
 
With successful movies under your belt, you have to get more confident...
I do hope so, otherwise I am screwed. There is nobody who knows what Bollywood is. When I was trying my luck, people would say picture toh rickshawwale dekhte hai. Why you making a 'Socha Na Tha'? Now they say forget rickshawwalahs, make movies for multiplexes.

You are one of the few directors if not the only who can be called sexy. Are you comfortable with the tag?
(Fumbling for words) I don't know. I can't believe this but I do feel shy about it. Inside, I am just this north Indian boy. I would be happy if I am considered grown up. I have an easy relationship with attention. I always feel that other people are so much in control and so articulate. I am dealing with it, though I don't enjoy getting too much of it.
 
And what kind of women do you like?
(smiling) All kinds. No actually, one kind I don't like. I hate pushovers or doormats. Why do they do it? They pretend to be wonderful all their lives and then they resent it. And then they go around sleeping with everyone. There is so much hypocrisy. Restrictions of society are more inside us than outside. We all are hypocritical at one level or other. It takes courage to be honest. I am trying and most of us are.