Sajid Ali, Director Laila Majnu on Rj Umar Nisar Podcast: Bollywood, Life, Love and much more!
2026/01/17
In this very special episode of the Mashq Records Podcast, RJ Umar Nisar welcomes one of his all time favourite storyteller, Sajid Ali, the visionary director of Laila Majnu. A filmmaker who made us all cry, reflect, and fall in love with madness through his art, Sajid Ali opens up about the making of Laila Majnu, his inspirations, and his personal journey as a storyteller.Together, they explore Kashmir, cinema, art, love, pain, and the timeless story of Laila and Majnu , retold in a way that still resonates deeply with audiences. The conversation also dives into the impact of Rockstar, the creative genius of his brother Imtiaz Ali, and how their shared vision continues to shape modern Indian cinema.Highlights from this episode include:
Sajid Ali’s childhood and entry into cinemaThe idea behind retelling Laila Majnu and collaborating with Imtiaz AliImtiaz Ali’s vision: “kaam hi break hai” — and what drives his storytellingThe cinematic parallels of Rockstar and Laila MajnuWhy Kashmir became the perfect backdrop for Laila MajnuDefining love after making the filmChemistry between Avinash Tiwary and Triptii DimriCasting choices and preparing actors for emotionally heavy scenesMusic as the heartbeat of the storyBehind-the-scenes stories and Sajid Ali’s favorite shotsBalancing classic romance with a modern narrativeReflections on Chamkila, the necessity of pain in art, and creative honestyPersonal thoughts on life, mental health, happiness, and hopeThis episode is more than a film discussion... it’s about cinema, legacy, love, madness, and the vision of two brothers shaping stories that stay with us forever.
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