As a storyteller, I am always looking for magnificent human stories.

Immediately after film school, I got an opportunity to work as a freelance cameraperson. I used to shoot a documentary film for the Discovery Channel called ‘Beyond the Himalayas.’ It was sponsored by Mahindra and Mahindra.

Every film is a reflection of its creator’s vision and artistic sensibilities.

In storytelling, authenticity and sincerity are key to creating a meaningful connection with the audience.

Post ‘Ek Tha Tiger,’ which was a more mainstream, action film, I spent a lot of time with Salman and I realised that he has a very strong commitment and believes strongly about certain issue and one of them is secularism in India.

Every character in a film is a reflection of real human experiences.

Shah Rukh is someone I’ve always looked up to as a senior. He is also probably the most well read person in the industry.

Americans view film from their perspective like all of us do and our perspective don’t necessarily need to match.

For me, I am actually a content creator and doesn’t matter where you are watching it.

Let’s not forget Oscars is an award ceremony for the U.S. film industry which has one category amongst the various categories called best foreign film.

Earlier, there used to be a taboo and people would say, ‘Oh, don’t put politics in your films; the audience don’t watch it.’ But if you engage them through your characters, they are ready to follow any politics or the world you’ve created.

Behind every successful film is a team of dedicated individuals working towards a common goal.

A successful film is one that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

What can you change about Deepika Padukone? It’s perfection over there.

Stories are the heart of cinema. They connect us to our own humanity.

Kabul Express’ is loosely based on the experiences my friend Rajan Kapoor and I shared in Kabul.

Cinema is a reflection of society. It has the power to change and influence minds.

Every film has a soul, and it’s the director’s job to bring that soul to life

Art and cinema should be a mirror to society, reflecting its struggles and triumphs.

My job as a filmmaker is to make people see the world in a different light.

Of course, working with Salman is always something I will cherish.

Anybody who says going to war is great, I think, is acting stupid.

What makes ‘Phantom’ different from other mission based films, is the amount of emotional drama there is in this film. And not just the main characters. Even the smaller characters have an emotional journey unto themselves and that forms major part of the narative.

I believe that you don’t essentially need to know the sport to enjoy a sports film.

A compelling film captures the essence of human experience and emotion.

Every story has its own rhythm, and finding it is key to effective storytelling.

Mani Ratnam was a favourite filmmaker because he did mainstream storytelling but always had a very real context or political backdrop.

The moment you talk about 26/11, everything is jingoistic. Even a TV debate sounds jingoistic and that’s because emotions on the incident run really deep.

There is no ego whatsoever in Salman.

A film’s true value is reflected in the way it resonates with its viewers.

The impact of a film is often seen in how it continues to engage and inspire audiences.

In the first avatar of Taliban in 1996 -2001, forget films, they did not even allow photography. The only photographers that were allowed to operate were passport photographers.

Filmmaking is a collaborative art form that requires the input and dedication of many individuals.

I think OTT platforms are open to taking bigger risks.

Authenticity in storytelling is achieved through a genuine connection to the story and characters.

Creating a memorable film involves a combination of creativity, passion, and technical skill.

I have been to Afghanistan many times, even before the Taliban collapsed. I was fascinated by the country.

For nationalism, sometimes we need a counter point or a villain. However, you don’t need any such thing for patriotism. Patriotism is a pure love for your country and you don’t need a counterpoint.

I am extremely proud of ‘Tubelight.’

The most successful films are those that strike a chord with audiences and leave a lasting impression.

The process of making a film is a journey of creativity, collaboration, and discovery.

The real magic of cinema happens when you bring authenticity to your stories.

My inspiration comes from real-life stories and the people who live them.

Every director has a unique style; it’s what makes each film distinct.

The journey of making a film is as important as the final product.

Nobody wants to go to war.

Every scene in a film should serve a purpose and drive the story forward.

There is no audience for documentary films in India.

The best films are those that speak to the human condition in a profound way.

Innovation in film often comes from unexpected places.

Honestly, one doesn’t expect any awards, let alone a National Award.

Everything is politics. And everyone has an ideology. Without one, we are animals.

Film is an expression of both personal and collective experiences.

Film can be a powerful vehicle for storytelling and emotional expression.

Great storytelling in film involves both emotional and intellectual engagement.

Salman reports on the sets on his own time. He does not start his day early. And he was clear about it before we went on floors. But once he is on the sets, he is all yours till you wrap up. So well, you just have to plan your day with him intelligently.

Every film of mine is put against ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and it is unfair.

Film can be a transformative experience, both for those who make it and those who watch it.

My locations are almost like a character in my films.

To create something memorable, you must first dare to be different.

Authenticity in filmmaking comes from staying true to your vision.

83′ is an emotional catharsis for people.

I am a Pathan.

Collaboration is key in filmmaking. It’s a team effort.

Passion and perseverance are the two pillars of filmmaking.

Every film has its own set of challenges and rewards.

Each project I undertake is an opportunity to explore new ideas.

Art should push boundaries and provoke thought.

Some films may work sometimes and sometimes some films don’t.

The power of cinema lies in its ability to evoke emotions.

Storytelling is the most powerful way to connect with people.

Success is not just about box office numbers; it’s about the impact your film makes.

As human beings you cannot be apolitical, the way we frame a character is telling our politics.

Stories choose directors, I guess.

For me, filmmaking is about creating an emotional experience.

It’s important to stay true to your vision as a filmmaker.

Each film I make is a reflection of my experiences and perspectives.

The audience is the best judge of whether a film succeeds or not.

History always remains relevant.

A good film should make you laugh, cry, and think.

There are certain battles that are worth fighting for and we should just keep making the films that are important and relevant.

Cinema has the power to bring people together and bridge gaps between cultures.

For me, if Vijayendra Prasad had not given me the two pager for ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ I would not have been able to create a screenplay.