Shahid to Diljit: The many faces of Imtiaz Ali`s heroes

Saif Ali Khan — Love Across Time (Love Aaj Kal)

He is modern, practical and someone who believes relationships must fit into life’s schedule. The film reveals the fragility of this logic. Love refuses to obey

Ranbir Kapoor — An Artist Who Can`t Escape Himself (Tamasha)

In Rockstar, Jordan’s hunger for love and recognition turns destructive. In Tamasha, Ved struggles with the suffocation of routine, finding a release in art

Avinash Tiwary — Devotion as Destiny (Laila Majnu)

Qais does not evolve in love. Instead, he dissolves into love completely. This is yearning in its rawest form possible - it is obsessive, spiritual and tragic

Diljit Dosanjh — Love, Fame and Loneliness (Chamkila)

This is a man adored by crowds yet haunted by his own demons. He is shaped by class mobility, artistic hunger and public scrutiny. Love becomes refuge and risk

Vedang Raina — A Promise That Won`t Fade (Main Wapas Aaunga)

Now comes Vedang Raina, stepping into this lineage with the role of a young Punjabi man separated from his beloved by the violence of Partition