Imtiaz Ali Sent Back A Crew Member From Highway Set For Misconduct: 'Alia Bhatt Had To Change...'

Imtiaz Ali recalls instances of misconduct by crew members around his women actors on his film sets.

Imtiaz Ali recalls instances of misconduct by crew members around his women actors on his film sets.

Source : IMDb

Imtiaz Ali is known for iconic films like 'Amar Singh Chamkila', 'Jab We Met', 'Love Aaj Kal', and 'Highway'. Recently, the filmmaker attended the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa during a panel discussion alongside actors Bhumi Pednekar and Vani Tripathi. The director spoke about creating safe spaces for women actors and crew on film sets. Recalling instances from his three-decade long career, Ali said that he has had to remove crew members on three occasions for misconduct.  

Imtiaz Ali on firing a crew member during Alia Bhatt's Highway

Recalling an incident from the sets of ‘Highway’ starring Alia Bhatt, he spoke about shooting 'Highway' ( 2013) starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, "We were shooting on a rural highway with no proper vanity vans. Alia had to change or go for nature’s call in unusual places. One crew member tried to be around her during that time, and I immediately sent him back. This happened thrice in my career, but not anymore. Times have changed drastically. Actresses are really safe on sets now."

Imtiaz also praised Bollywood and said, "The film industry in Bombay is remarkable for the way it treats its women. With 200 people working in a unit, it is a very safe space for them."

Imtiaz On Kareena Kapoor

The 'Jab We Met' director also recalled an anecdote from the sets of his blockbuster film starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahir Kapoor. Stating that during the shoot of a railway compartment, Kareena had to lie on the top berth while crew members adjusted the light. When Imtiaz suggested that she come down for the adjustments, Kareena dismissed the concern, stating, "Abhi kon utrega aur phir chadhega!" ( Whol will get down and climb again) He added, “She was so comfortable with three men standing near her. Nobody looked at her wrong. That’s because she felt absolutely safe."