Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has revealed that Main Vaapas Aaunga was never part of his immediate plans and there was a time when he wasn’t even sure if the film would ever be made.
Speaking about the project, Imtiaz shared that the idea slowly took shape while he was working on Amar Singh Chamkila. During that period, he met several people whose lives had been deeply impacted by the Partition, and their personal stories left a lasting impression on him.
According to the director, these encounters sparked a creative curiosity that stayed with him long after filming wrapped up. What began as a personal interest gradually evolved into a screenplay that explored emotional and untold aspects of Partition-era experiences in Punjab and Bengal.
Once the script started taking shape, Imtiaz felt there was one actor who perfectly embodied the character’s worldview and emotional depth — Diljit Dosanjh.
The filmmaker revealed that he approached Diljit for the film after completing Chamkila. He believed the actor possessed the psychology, sensitivity and understanding needed for the role, making him the ideal choice.
Interestingly, Imtiaz also recalled a conversation with Shah Rukh Khan that boosted his confidence about casting Diljit. The superstar had once described Diljit as one of the finest actors in the country, a compliment that stayed with the director.
While Imtiaz already admired Diljit’s talent, hearing such praise from Shah Rukh made him even more excited about collaborating with the singer-actor. After working together on Chamkila, the filmmaker became convinced that Diljit could bring something unique and authentic to the character in Main Vaapas Aaunga.
The film marks Imtiaz Ali’s second consecutive collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh, placing the actor among a select group of performers, including Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, with whom the director has worked more than once.
Despite a modest opening at the box office, Main Vaapas Aaunga has been receiving appreciation for its emotional storytelling, layered characters and sensitive portrayal of history and human relationships.