Held on October 7 at Hauz Khaz Social in Delhi, where Tamasha was shot, Chali Kahani by Humans of Cinema was an event for the humans who love cinema and Imtiaz Ali!
Imtiaz Ali's cinematic experience is that form of art that interacts with your visual sense and awakens you with self-reflection. Now why do I call his films an experience? Because they are not about a story from start to end, but as Veera from Highway says, "yeh rasta..yeh bohot achchha hai..yeh kabhi khatam na ho". And with the worlds created by the prolific filmmaker, this journey translates from him onto people; an example of which is Harshit of Humans of Cinema. 5 years ago, just like Imtiaz Ali, Harshit wanted to create a cinematic experience but for healthy film discussions.
It was essentially Tamasha that changed his life, hence five years of HoC had to be celebrated with an event called Chali Kahani. But to call this an event would be degrading because it was much more. As Harshit said, "HoC is always about people and cinema"! From the time you enter the space which is constructed like a college fest with little film corners everywhere, you realise this is not going to be a sit-and-attend event, rather an interactive sesh. And while awkward hellos, exchanging smiles, interactions with the little film space from the world of Imtiaz Ali were somewhat of a conversation starter for strangers all gathered, it was the announcement that 'everyone's ticket had lines from the music of Imtiaz Ali's film' and 'people had to find their group and complete the song' that broke the ice and turned strangers into friends by the end of the night.
Other than that, drinks like Don Returns, Ganne ke Khet, Sarphiri, Junglee Jawani, and Chor Bazari, music by karaoke, and performances held the night with a jam session always ongoing. But a complete baller was a Zoom call with Imtiaz Ali himself who was just as excited to see the space and meet everyone virtually. Now if you think that was all then you are completely wrong, you get cinephiles, that too cult followers of Imtiaz Ali, and there would be no film discussions, not possible! Everywhere you went around, people connected with a favorite film or scene of Ali's filmography, and different perspectives around his films floated around. A case for liking Harry Met Sejal was made! It was like there were no humans but Ved, Tara, Jordan, Heer, Veera, and others were themselves there. Some even came dressed like them!
Content creator, Anmol Jamwal aka jammypants had his time full with people coming up to him to meet and talk. And he was humble, and kind and chatted with people all around while the creator of moviesandcharacters, Devesh helped all around. But kudos to the hosts, Harshit and Ahona, who with their talented and hardworking team, spent the entire evening making it the best experience for everyone, from extroverts to introverts to socially awkward and anxious people. Everyone there found themselves in one or another Imtiaz Ali film, so it was best to end the evening with an entire room jamming to Sadda Haq. And I agree with someone who attended who called this celebration 'Millennial ka Satsang'.
In one single night, for almost four hours, strangers met, their eyes found each other while their mouths formed a smile and the vibe matched! Maybe that's why people ended up taking away all the decor as a token of appreciation in spite of some goodies. As they didn't come for Imtiaz Ali or HoC, they came for Humans of Cinema of Imtiaz Ali, and I got to witness once again the mighty power and magic of cinema!
Congratulations to Humans of Cinema on completing 5 years!
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