Imtiaz Ali thankful to Ramesh Taurani for the title ‘Laila Majnu’

Imtiaz Ali has given Bollywood some of its most memorable romance dramas in the recent past, admits that writing a modern-day adaptation of the legendary star-crossed lovers was sheer joy. The challenge was to procure the title ‘Laila Majnu’ for Sajid Ali’s directorial venture.

“I always knew that Laila Majnu is the only title this film could go by. I was almost on the verge of a breakdown because it was impossible to get the title,” recalls Imtiaz. The filmmaker, who is presenting the drama produced by Ekta Kapoor, reveals that it took them over two months to trace the rights of the name to Tips owner Ramesh Taurani.

“Rameshji knew the value of the title. I am sure he knew it wouldn’t be wise to give it away just like that,” laughs Imtiaz. All praise for Taurani’s generous nature, he says, “ He did not want anything in exchange for the title. He gave it as a goodwill gesture. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be able to take our vision ahead.”

“I never considered having a different title because the film is a faithful rendition of the original story and is set in Kashmir. The setting is relevant because the Valley offers that exotic backdrop to the story.” ‘ Rameshji [ Taurani] did not want anything in exchange for the title’

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