Degenerated society: Imtiaz Ali questions those comfortable with burqa, parda
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's remarks on burqa, parda and social conditioning during a recent interview have triggered debate online. Here's what the filmmaker said and why the conversation is gaining attention.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has sparked a conversation around personal freedom and social norms after sharing his views on burqa and parda during a recent interview with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia on his show Unfiltered by Samdish. The 55-year-old director said he disagrees with the idea of people feeling comfortable within restrictive social practices, calling it a sign of a “degenerated society”.
“I don't like when someone says ‘I am comfortable in my Burqa. I am comfortable in my parda’. It's a degenerated society, if you feel like this, it's not okay,” Imtiaz said during the interaction. His remarks quickly drew attention online, with many debating the balance between personal choice, cultural traditions and social conditioning.
Responding to the filmmaker's comments, Samdish noted that it can be difficult to question practices that have become normalised within a community. Imtiaz clarified that he was not targeting any individual or community but was advocating for moderation and tolerance. “I am not questioning anybody. All I am asking for is basic tolerance and be moderate. You agree to something I don't, and we should be able to live with that,” he said.
Watch the video here:
What's happening on the work front?
The discussion comes at a time when Imtiaz is in the spotlight for his latest directorial venture, Main Vaapas Aaunga. Released on June 12, 2026, the film features Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah in key roles.
The drama marks another major project from the filmmaker, who is known for exploring themes of identity, relationships and self-discovery. Since its release, Main Vaapas Aaunga has generated significant interest among audiences and industry observers alike.
About Main Vaapas Aaunga
Main Vaapas Aaunga is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition and follows Keenu, an elderly man who longs to return to his ancestral home in present-day Pakistan decades after being displaced. The story unfolds across multiple timelines, weaving together themes of love, memory, migration and belonging.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has sparked a conversation around personal freedom and social norms after sharing his views on burqa and parda during a recent interview with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia on his show Unfiltered by Samdish. The 55-year-old director said he disagrees with the idea of people feeling comfortable within restrictive social practices, calling it a sign of a “degenerated society”.
“I don't like when someone says ‘I am comfortable in my Burqa. I am comfortable in my parda’. It's a degenerated society, if you feel like this, it's not okay,” Imtiaz said during the interaction. His remarks quickly drew attention online, with many debating the balance between personal choice, cultural traditions and social conditioning.
Responding to the filmmaker's comments, Samdish noted that it can be difficult to question practices that have become normalised within a community. Imtiaz clarified that he was not targeting any individual or community but was advocating for moderation and tolerance. “I am not questioning anybody. All I am asking for is basic tolerance and be moderate. You agree to something I don't, and we should be able to live with that,” he said.
Watch the video here:
What's happening on the work front?
The discussion comes at a time when Imtiaz is in the spotlight for his latest directorial venture, Main Vaapas Aaunga. Released on June 12, 2026, the film features Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah in key roles.
The drama marks another major project from the filmmaker, who is known for exploring themes of identity, relationships and self-discovery. Since its release, Main Vaapas Aaunga has generated significant interest among audiences and industry observers alike.
About Main Vaapas Aaunga
Main Vaapas Aaunga is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition and follows Keenu, an elderly man who longs to return to his ancestral home in present-day Pakistan decades after being displaced. The story unfolds across multiple timelines, weaving together themes of love, memory, migration and belonging.
