Mumbai: Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has sparked a debate on social media after sharing his views on the burqa and purdah during a recent podcast interview.
His comments have generated mixed reactions, with some supporting his criticism of patriarchal norms and others arguing that he overlooked the personal choices of women who wear religious attire.
Speaking on the podcast Unfiltered by Samdish, the acclaimed director questioned the idea that women feel comfortable wearing a burqa or observing purdah.
“I don’t like when someone says, ‘I am comfortable in my burqa. I am comfortable in my parda.’ It’s a degenerate society if you feel like this. It’s not okay,” Imtiaz said
The filmmaker suggested that what is often described as comfort may sometimes be the result of long-term social conditioning rather than genuine freedom of choice.
“This means that you have been so victimised in your mind that it starts feeling normal,” he added.
Ali linked the issue to broader discussions around patriarchy and the influence of social structures on how women perceive freedom, identity, and personal comfort.
However, he clarified that he was not advocating restrictions on individual choices or attempting to impose his views on others.
“It’s not about stopping anyone. I’m not going to someone’s house to explain my thinking,” he said.
The director further emphasized the importance of tolerance and coexistence despite differences in beliefs and practices.
“If someone still wants to do it, that’s okay. But society needs tolerance and moderation,” he added.
During the discussion, Imtiaz also expressed concern over what he described as increasing polarization in public discourse and the disappearance of moderate viewpoints.
“My latest thought is where have the moderates gone? Nowadays, everyone is at extremes. Dialogue has become difficult. I am not your enemy,” he said.
His remarks quickly gained attention online, prompting discussions about religious freedom, women’s agency, cultural practices, and the role of personal choice in modern society.
While some users praised Ali for raising questions about gender norms, others argued that women should have the right to decide how they dress without having their choices questioned.
Meanwhile, the filmmaker is also receiving attention for his latest film, Main Vaapas Aaunga, a Partition-era drama starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari.
The film has been praised for its storytelling and performances and continues its run in cinemas.
The debate surrounding Imtiaz comments highlights the ongoing conversation in India about tradition, individual freedom, and the importance of respectful dialogue on sensitive social issues.
