‘The Purpose of the Journey is to TransformPeople,’ says Imtiaz Ali at Shoolini University

Celebrated filmmaker and storyteller Imtiaz Ali visited Shoolini University as a distinguished speaker at the fifth edition of the university’s Spring; Literature Festival, held on campus amidst the scenic Himalayan foothills.

Known for iconic films like Jab We Met, Rockstar, and Tamasha, Ali engaged in a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation with the director of the LitFest,
Dr Ashoo Khosla, and the students, reflecting on creativity, identity, and the inner journeys that shape a meaningful life.

In a candid interaction, Ali spoke about how travel, both outward and inward, continues to shape him not only as an artist but as a human being. “The purpose of
the journey is to transform people,” he shared, adding that transformation doesn’t only happen through physical travel, but through emotional and spiritual
exploration.

The conversation touched on core themes from Ali’s films, including love, chaos, and self-discovery. He described love as a powerful, often disruptive force that ultimately
drives personal growth. When a student shared how Tamasha resonated with their own struggle between the heart and the world, Ali offered a simple yet profound
message: “If there’s confusion between the heart and the world, choose the heart. The confusion will go away.”

Ali also reflected on one of the most visually striking and emotionally intense scenes from Rockstar, where the protagonist, Jordan, is seen sitting in a bathtub under
running water as his guitar burns nearby. He explained that the scene was designed to convey a deep emotional void and the character’s attempt to reconnect with his
own feelings. “The guitar was the most important thing in his life,” Ali said. “He set it on fire just to reach himself, just to hurt himself, because he wasn’t
getting affected by anything anymore.” He added that the interplay of fire and water in the frame was deliberate, symbolizing the dual nature of love as both
chaotic and tender.

Reflecting on his experience at Shoolini University, Ali expressed admiration for the warmth of the people and the vibrancy of the campus. “There’s something truly
special here, an atmosphere of positivity. Himachal has a unique cultural richness that should be preserved and celebrated,” he said, encouraging students to take pride in their roots and stay authentic to their individual paths.

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