‘I Feel Responsible And Guilty,’ Says Imtiaz Ali On Tamasha Inspired Job Quitters

Imtiaz Ali has opened up about how fans of his 2015 film Tamasha have quit stable corporate jobs to become writers and artists, and why that leaves him feeling both inspired and deeply responsible. Over the years, the Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starrer has evolved from a modest box office performer into a cult favourite about identity, conformity and creative freedom. Now, Ali says the very impact that made Tamasha special also keeps him up at night.

What Imtiaz Ali Said About Fans Quitting Jobs

Speaking at Boman Irani’s writers’ convention Spiral Bound, Ali recalled how several aspiring writers approached him and said they had left engineering and corporate jobs after watching Tamasha, and were now struggling artists in Mumbai. His first thought, he said, was, “I hope they succeed,” quickly followed by the worry that if they did not, he would feel “responsible for the disaster in their lives.” Ali admitted he feels guilty not just towards the individuals but also their families, including parents who may have dreamt of their children becoming engineers and working abroad.

Between Inspiration And Accountability

The director behind films like Rockstar and Jab We Met was candid about the harsh realities of the entertainment business, especially for newcomers who move to Mumbai to chase artistic dreams. He noted that everyone in the industry, including himself, has gone through phases of struggle, and that not all who leave well paid professions find stability quickly as writers or filmmakers. At the same time, he confessed that he also admires those who take the risk to follow their passion, saying that ultimately he feels connected to them and experiences “mixed feelings” of pride and concern.

Tamasha’s Corporate Mirror And Cultural Legacy

Many viewers saw Ved, Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Tamasha, as a mirror to their own lives in rigid corporate structures, battling expectations and a loss of self. Over time, social media has jokingly blamed the film for “an entire generation” rethinking or leaving corporate jobs, turning Tamasha into shorthand for creative rebellion against safe careers. Ali’s recent comments recognise that pop culture can nudge people towards life altering choices, especially when it taps into existing dissatisfaction with conventional career paths.

Storyteller’s Dilemma Highlights

• Imtiaz Ali says he feels “terribly guilty” and responsible when fans tell him they quit jobs after watching Tamasha.
• At the Spiral Bound writers’ convention, several aspiring writers said they left engineering and corporate roles to write because of the film.
• Ali worries about the emotional and financial fallout if such career pivots do not work out, including the impact on families.
• He acknowledges the entertainment industry is tough, with most newcomers facing long periods of struggle in Mumbai.
• Despite his guilt, he admires people who take risks to follow their passion and feels deeply connected to them.
• Tamasha has grown into a cult film about corporate burnout and creative identity, influencing real life career choices years after its release.

Sources: Times of India, YouTube, Instagram