Imtiaz Ali on exploring the Partition through Main Vaapas Aaunga: 'Many things have been forgotten'

Speaking about his motivation behind exploring Partition, Imtiaz Ali said, "I never wanted to make a film on Partition if I had nothing unique to say. I did not want to report an incident." He added,  "There has been a lot of influence in society, not only due to the 1947 Partition but also large-scale migration. I feel that migration is the story of the century for the entire world. For us, the most significant event in the Indian subcontinent is Partition, which affected the maximum number of people. It has affected them deeply and in many strange ways. But in retrospect, after 78 years, many things have been forgotten. What remains intensely remembered is the tenderness of early youth and romance, to which we return. It is such a story."

About Main Vaapas Aaunga

Main Vaapas Aaunga is set in Imtiaz Ali’s evocative world of love and longing, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles.

In the film, Vedang Raina portrays the young version of Naseer, while Sharvari dons the character of his lover. As per the teaser, the makers describe the movie as a story of "love and longing" due to the partition between India and Pakistan in 1947.

It will also mark the collaboration of Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman and singer Diljit Dosanjh for a song penned by Irshad Kamil. The new track is titled Kya Kamaal Hai. The makers call this a "song of hope amidst the noise, violence and displacement that surrounds us today." 

"It serves as a gentle reminder of the beautiful world we live in, one where love is abundant, happiness outweighs sorrow, and togetherness has the power to break every barrier," read the press note. 

Produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment and Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, the film releases in cinemas on 12th June 2026.