Celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently shared a warm and humorous anecdote from the sets of his cult classic Rockstar, as he reunited with actor Sanjana Sanghi during a special on-stage conversation. Sanjana, who appeared in the film as a child artist, reflected on her formative experience working with the acclaimed director at just 13 years of age.
Speaking on stage, Sanjana reminisced about being completely absorbed in Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling style.
“I was just 13 back then. I remember getting hypnotised every time Imtiaz sir briefed us for a scene. While shooting the last scene of Rockstar, Jordan (Ranbir Kapoor) and I were waiting in a room where people get their blood tested. It was shot in a hospital in Karol Bagh. I remember how suddenly he pushed us to perform our best,” she shared.
Adding his trademark wit to the conversation, Imtiaz Ali recalled a moment that left him both surprised and amused.
“I remember briefing Sanjana for a scene, and she said, ‘No, I feel it should be done the other way.’ And then Ranbir said, ‘Sir, she’s actually right.’ It was very insulting for me in front of the entire crew,” he laughed, fondly recalling the incident.
The duo came together for a special Rockstar fan meet, celebrating a film that continues to resonate across generations—through its evocative music, powerful storytelling, Ranbir Kapoor’s iconic performance, and Irshad Kamil’s timeless poetry.
For Sanjana Sanghi, Rockstar marked the beginning of an unexpected journey into cinema. From her deeply moving portrayal of Kizie Basu in Dil Bechara, a performance that has since achieved cult status, to her emergence as a global youth advocate through her work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she has carved a path that extends far beyond the screen.
Now gearing up for her upcoming projects, Sanjana’s journey has come full circle—from a 13-year-old discovering her craft on an Imtiaz Ali set to a young artist with growing global cultural and social influence.
