"Imtiaz Ali Shares His Fascination with Horror Films and Filming in Madhubala’s Haunted Bungalow"

Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, known for his evocative storytelling and memorable films, recently made a captivating appearance on a podcast where he delved into his cinematic journey and his unfulfilled desire to direct a horror film. The director, celebrated for his unique narratives in films like Jab We Met, Rockstar, and Tamasha, revealed a lesser-known side of his creative aspirations.

During the podcast, Ali expressed his longstanding interest in the horror genre, mentioning that he has contemplated making a horror film on several occasions. He cited Madhumati, the 1958 classic directed by Bimal Roy, as his favorite Hindi horror movie, highlighting his appreciation for the genre's potential to blend fear with deeper emotional undertones.

Ali shared an intriguing anecdote about filming in the legendary Kismat Bungalow, once owned by the iconic actress Madhubala. “Madhubala used to have a house, it was called Kismat Bungalow. It has been reconstructed now. But back in the day, they wouldn’t allow people to film there at night, and people generally wouldn’t want to film there at night because they believed that her ghost haunts the place,” Ali recounted. The director’s experiences at the bungalow, known for its eerie reputation, added an element of mystique to his narrative.

Despite his skepticism about the supernatural, Ali admitted to feeling a unique blend of emotions while filming alone in the bungalow’s darkest corners. “I shot there quite a bit at night. And I would go to the quietest, darkest corners of that house alone, and I used to wonder if Madhubala’s ghost would come. Although I don’t really believe in spirits, but I remember that feeling. It wasn’t just horror, there was something else. There was a sense of awe and romanticism. This is an interesting combination,” he explained.

Madhubala, celebrated as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, starred in numerous classic films including Mughal-e-Azam, Chalti Ka Naam Gadi, and Mahal. Her untimely death at the age of 36 in 1969 due to a prolonged illness left a lasting impact on the industry and her fans. The stories surrounding her former residence continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and intrigue.

As Imtiaz Ali continues to enchant audiences with his distinctive storytelling, his reflections on horror and his experiences at Madhubala’s bungalow offer a glimpse into the director’s multifaceted creative mind. Fans of the filmmaker and the legendary actress alike can look forward to the possibility of Ali exploring the horror genre in his future projects.