Imtiaz Ali: ‘Maya Vaapas Aunga’ writer says he was wary of depiction in partition scene: ‘There is a balanced view, it could be rage-baiting’ | Hindi movie news

Imtiaz AliIts upcoming period drama ‘Mey Vapas Aunga’ won widespread acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of partition and its potential for reconciliation. At the center of the story is the 95-year-old Ishwar (Nasiruddin Shah), who wants to return to his hometown of Sargodha in present-day Pakistan, a decision that leaves his family, especially his grandson Nirbhair (Diljit Dosanjh), confused. As the film continues to strike a chord with audiences, co-writer Naynika Mahtani reflects on its deep personal roots and the ideas that shaped its narrative.Naynika recalls how her collaboration with Imtiaz Ali began unexpectedly in Mussoorie. He met the filmmaker there and gave him a copy of his novel Across the Line, which also explored Partition. Coincidentally, Imtiaz was working on a story on the same historical event and asked him to write 20-30 pages on the subject. After reading his work, he simply told her, “We are.”The opportunity was particularly meaningful for Nainika as she wanted to tell a partition story free from divisive narratives. “I was definitely thrilled to tell a story of partition, and also the sensitivity with which Imtiaz brought it up, because I was very clear that I didn’t want to tell a story where there would be ‘the other’ or ‘the other’. I would rather not tell a story than tell such a story,” he said.For the author, Men Vapes Aunga is also rooted in family history. All of his grandparents have now migrated from Pakistan, and his maternal grandmother is from Sargodha, the same city where the film is set. Recalling Nani’s memories, Naynika says, “Whenever my Nani spoke of Sargodha, she only spoke of happy memories. There was never bitterness. There was never malice. And think how many reasons she had to be bitter.“He shared that his paternal grandparents from Lahore and Rawalpindi carry similar memories. Instead of resentment, they remember a friendship that transcends religion. “Their best friends remained Muslims. I never saw an ounce of anger in that generation. So, when we were telling this story, even Imtiaz had the same sensibility that no other had,” he added.Naynika also believes that the emotional wounds carried by many who lived through partition were largely unspoken. Referring to God’s character in the film, he explained, “Ishar Grewal is not a good person. He is a bitter man. But look what he went through. And that’s where it stops, because we judged them on what we saw, but there was something they didn’t talk about.”Expanding on that thought, he said, “There was something that was never mentioned. A lot of them worked with PTSD. But no one was going to talk about it, because independence coincided with partition, and it took center stage. So, you weren’t allowed to be unhappy. But imagine what they thought every year on that independence eve.”Naynika also revealed that she and Imtiaz Ali were determined to portray the plight experienced on both sides of the border rather than presenting a one-sided narrative. “One thing both Imtiaz and I were very (certain). I told him, ‘We have to have a scene where we see Muslims being killed.’ So, the train scene where Kinu’s hat falls off, and when the train arrives at Lahore station, and Afzal finds his entire family dead. So, we see both sides, and have a balanced view. Otherwise, it could be rage-baiting,” he argued.