Shekhar Kapur's Emotional Response to Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'

Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has expressed his emotional response to Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', a film that resonates deeply with his family's history during the Partition. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Kapur described the film as an emotional upheaval, revealing how it mirrored his own family's struggles. He praised the performances, particularly that of Naseeruddin Shah, and reflected on the painful memories associated with the Partition. Despite a slow start at the box office, the film has gained significant traction, becoming one of Bollywood's hits of 2026. Discover more about Kapur's heartfelt reflections and the film's success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 12:29 IST

Shekhar Kapur Shares His Thoughts on 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'

Imtiaz Ali's film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', featuring Vedang Raina, Sharvari, and Naseeruddin Shah, has captured the attention of renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. He expressed his thoughts on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that watching the Partition-themed drama was a deeply moving experience for him. Kapur, who has received numerous accolades including a National Film Award and a BAFTA, shared that the film resonated with his family's own history.

He remarked, "Main Vaapas Aaunga was an emotional upheaval for me. I witnessed the story of my family unfold on screen, depicting the harrowing escape and the violence during the Partition. It was a journey between two nations in turmoil."

Kapur revealed that for many years, his parents avoided discussing the traumatic events of the Partition, stating, "The memories were too intense and painful." However, his mother eventually recounted her experiences to his sister, which mirrored the film's narrative. He noted that, similar to Diljit Dosanjh's character in the film, he also made a journey back to Lahore to reconnect with his roots, hinting at more stories yet to be told.

In a heartfelt reflection, Kapur admitted to shedding tears throughout the film, expressing gratitude to Imtiaz Ali for reviving those poignant memories. He stated, "I can't recall the last time I cried so much during a film."

Kapur praised Naseeruddin Shah, calling him "brilliant" and likening him to his own father, a well-known doctor in Delhi. He recalled his father's wish to visit Lahore one last time, stating, "He never did..." Meanwhile, 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' has become one of the notable successes in Bollywood for 2026, grossing Rs 75.52 crore globally. Despite a slow start with Rs 12.25 crore in its opening week, the film has gained momentum thanks to positive reviews. According to Sacnilk, it earned Rs 1.75 crore on Day 19 across 2046 shows, reflecting a 16.7% increase from the previous day. The film's total net collection in India has reached Rs 49.55 crore, with a gross of Rs 59.02 crore.