Imtiaz Ali Opens Up About ‘Imposter Syndrome’ at ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ Launch: “I Feel Like a Postman Delivering a Letter”

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali delivered one of the most heartfelt and introspective moments at the trailer launch of Main Vaapas Aaunga when he candidly spoke about expectations, filmmaking, and the strange feeling of “imposter syndrome” that still follows him despite decades of success in the industry.

Known for creating emotionally layered films like Rockstar, Tamasha, Jab We Met, and Love Aaj Kal, Imtiaz Ali reflected on how every release still feels like a milestone to him. Speaking during the event, the filmmaker said, “I feel that simply having a film of mine released is a milestone for me—well, because it takes quite a while. I hope that it won't take quite so long from now on. My daughter, Rida, always tells me that I should make more films, and hopefully, I will indeed pick up the pace.”

However, what truly caught everyone’s attention was Imtiaz’s unusually humble perspective on the role of a director in filmmaking. In a candid and emotional statement, he said, “But...I feel that the director is actually the only person on set who isn't strictly necessary for a shot to still be captured. Believe me, these wonderful actors will handle the acting themselves.” Looking toward actor Rajat Kapoor during the conversation, he jokingly added, “Apologies, Rajat—you are a director, but you are also an actor, which I am not; I say this merely to give credit where it is due.”

The filmmaker went on to explain how he views cinema as a deeply collaborative process where every department contributes equally to the final outcome. “A director's work amounts to nothing, really. It is merely a representation of the collective efforts of the cast, the crew, the technicians—of everything coming together—all of which would happen even without the director's presence,” Imtiaz shared.

He then admitted that he often struggles internally with the feeling that he is receiving too much credit for work done by others. “So, much like Vedang, I sometimes experience ‘imposter syndrome,’ where I feel as though I am receiving credit for the work done by other people. At times, I feel like nothing more than a postman, simply delivering a letter to its intended address,” he said. His honesty and vulnerability earned loud applause from the audience and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the event.

Imtiaz concluded his speech by expressing gratitude for the people he has collaborated with throughout his career. “Therefore, I feel incredibly lucky regarding the people I have had the opportunity to work with—much like in the case of Main Vaapas Aaunga,” he added warmly.

Set against the emotional backdrop of the 1947 India-Pakistan Partition, Main Vaapas Aaunga explores themes of love, migration, memory, longing, and cross-generational emotional trauma. The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari.

The narrative moves between the past and present, with Vedang Raina portraying the younger version of Naseeruddin Shah’s character in a partition-era love story opposite Sharvari’s character. Decades later, an elderly Naseeruddin Shah recounts the unfinished emotional journey to Diljit Dosanjh’s character, creating a deeply layered and nostalgic narrative.

With powerful speeches from the cast and emotional responses to the trailer already flooding social media, Main Vaapas Aaunga is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Hindi films of 2026. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 12, 2026.

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