Satish: Thank you very much for coming to our show.
Ida Ali: Thank you for inviting me.
Satish: Recently, I was seeing some of your Instagram posts. You keep making blogs and travel diaries. Tell us about that. Did you have this interest from childhood? Blogging is a very new thing.
Ida: People keep doing it now. I have been recording for many years wherever I go for travel blogs. I always feel that I record but never get a chance to see it. I only get short clips. Now, I put them together, edit, and if they’re good, I post them. All my blogs are for travel. But I’ve had an interest since childhood, especially in writing and reading. I used to imagine my stories like films in my mind. At the age of 15, I decided to explore this and try it out.
Satish: When you travel, do you always think about how it can influence your work as a filmmaker?
Ida: Yes, I do. I never feel like I’m just on vacation. I always think I’ll find something valuable for my work. Meeting different people and experiencing diverse cultures in India or abroad always adds to my creative inspiration. The emotions and experiences, despite cultural differences, often have universal similarities that enrich my storytelling.
Satish: Most filmmakers base their work on their experiences and upbringing. Tell us a bit about your childhood.
Ida: My childhood was quite different from my life now. My parents moved from Jamshedpur to Bombay. They started with small roles in the TV industry, but soon progressed. They were interested in filmmaking but also focused on providing stability for the family. My dad released his first film when I was five. Before that, our life was quite simple. My interest in stories and storytelling developed from my dad’s habit of narrating stories to me every night.
Satish: Your dad, Imtiaz Ali, is a renowned filmmaker. How does his presence influence you, and do you see yourself as a competitor now?
Ida: It’s a huge encouragement. He always supports me but insists on me finding my own path. Growing up watching his work has definitely influenced me. He’s seen my work and is supportive, but he also encourages me to develop my unique voice as a filmmaker.
Satish: When did you realize you wanted to be a filmmaker?
Ida: I always wanted to be an author, but the visual storytelling aspect intrigued me. When I was around 15, I tried writing a screenplay and making a short film. That experience made me realize my passion for filmmaking. I explored various roles in film production to understand the craft better and eventually decided to pursue it seriously.
Satish: Did you ever assist your father in filmmaking?
Ida: No, I haven’t assisted him. I wanted to create my own path and learn independently. I admire his work, especially films like “Rockstar” and “Tamasha,” which influenced me greatly.
Satish: What kind of films do you enjoy, and which directors inspire you?
Ida: I enjoy a variety of films. Directors like Vikramaditya Motwane and Vishal Bhardwaj inspire me. Their storytelling and the way they depict relationships and realism resonate with me. Films like “Haider” by Vishal Bhardwaj and “Udaan” by Vikramaditya Motwane are among my favorites.
Satish: Let’s talk about your projects. What was the inspiration behind films like “Lift” and “Boundary”?
Ida: “Lift” came from the idea of confining a love story within a limited space, exploring the characters’ emotions in a confined setting. “Boundary” was inspired by observing people from different social backgrounds interacting through the common love for cricket. It reflects on social divides and common grounds in Indian society.
Satish: How was your experience acting in “Thai Massage”?
Ida: It was fun. The director, Mangesh Hadawale, encouraged me to take the role, and although I don’t see myself as an actor, I enjoyed the process. It was a different experience from directing, but I learned a lot.
Satish: What do you consider good cinema?
Ida: Good cinema is subjective, but for me, it’s something that I enjoy and find engaging. It should have a good story and evoke emotions. I admire films that can be entertaining yet profound, like Shyam Benegal’s “Mandi.”
Satish: What type of films do you see yourself making in the future?
Ida: It’s hard to say now. I want to explore different genres and styles. Over time, I hope to discover my unique voice and the kind of films I make. For now, I’m focused on telling stories that resonate with me and experimenting with various forms of storytelling.
This insightful conversation with Ida Ali provides a glimpse into her journey, inspirations, and aspirations as a filmmaker, reflecting her unique approach to storytelling and her passion for cinema.
