Imtiaz Ali's Upcoming Film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' Celebrates Punjab's Rich Heritage

Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali is set to release his new film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' on June 12, exploring themes of love and longing against the backdrop of Punjab and the Partition. With a star-studded cast and a powerful message, the film promises to resonate deeply with audiences. Ali's emotional connection to Punjab, despite having no family ties, enriches the narrative, making it a significant cinematic experience. The promotional tour kicked off at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post, featuring a live performance by AR Rahman and other artists, emphasizing the film's themes of unity and remembrance. Discover how Ali's storytelling captures the essence of Punjab's culture and history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 9, 2026, 06:05 IST

Imtiaz Ali: A Voice for Punjab

Renowned Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali is emerging as a significant voice for Punjab, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

His latest film, 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', is set to hit theaters on June 12, marking his third cinematic venture centered around Punjab. Previously, he explored the region's culture in films like 'Amar Singh Chamkila' and 'Jab We Met'.

When asked about his connection to Punjab, Ali, who recently attended a live performance featuring the film's music cast, including the iconic AR Rahman, at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post, shared, “I have no familial ties to Punjab, but I do have a deep emotional bond. With every film, this connection strengthens.”

Having just completed filming 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', Ali is now embarking on a promotional tour that commenced with the event at Attari.

As singers like Rahman, Mohit Chauhan, Nilanjana Ghosh, Pooja Tiwari, and Nargis prepared to captivate the large audience, Ali engaged with the media, discussing the film's impressive cast, which includes Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina.

Ali expressed his excitement about the film, stating, “I feel honored to be part of this group, and starting our promotional journey from Attari is magical, especially since the film addresses the Partition. The events of 1947 not only resulted in the loss of homes and lives but also shattered hearts. The film conveys a message of love, which is ultimately what sustains us.”

The choice of Attari for the promotional kickoff aligns perfectly with the film's narrative, which revolves around love and longing during the Partition of India, the largest migration in the subcontinent's history. The storyline draws heavily from the experiences of those who lived through it. Now, years later, as those individuals have moved on, what remains is love and cherished memories, which are central themes in Ali's film.

“This event is truly special. AR Rahman performing at the Attari Gate at the JCP Stadium is a tribute to our national spirit, honoring our brave soldiers at the border, the BSF, the Indian Army, and the unity and love that connects us all,” he remarked.

His sentiments resonated in the lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil as Rahman, Mohit Chauhan, Nilanjana Ghosh, Pooja Tiwari, and Nargis performed several songs from the film. The national spirit Ali referred to reached its peak when Rahman took the stage to perform his iconic piece, 'Maa Tujhe Salaam', filling the venue with profound emotion.

It was evident that Ali's poignant exploration of love and longing would not be complete without Kamil's heartfelt lyrics and Rahman's moving compositions.