If love was a film, Imtiaz Ali would be its most poetic storyteller. From train journeys that lead to serendipity to wanderers finding themselves in foreign lands, Ali’s cinematic world is filled with raw emotion, timeless music, and soulful storytelling.

On the occasion of his birthday on June 16, Tata Play Binge brought the auteur’s most memorable films that made heartbreak feel like art and romance feel real — all available in one curated collection.

Whether you’re a dreamer like Ved, a free spirit like Geet, or someone still chasing closure like Jordan, Imtiaz’s characters live rent-free in our hearts with stories that evolve with every rewatch.

Here’s a perfect binge list to revisit the man who turned complicated relationships into beautiful chaos:

‘Jab We Met’: The film that redefined Bollywood romance and gave us Kareena Kapoor’s iconic Geet, ‘Jab We Met’ is where Imtiaz’s  journey into the hearts of millions truly began. Shahid Kapoor’s Aditya, a broken man who finds unexpected sunshine in Geet, boards a train that takes them (and us) on an unforgettable ride through Punjab, Himachal, and every emotion in between. With cult-favourite songs like ‘Tum Se Hi’ and ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’, this feel-good classic is a must-watch.

‘Rockstar’: Dark, passionate, and soul-stirring, ‘Rockstar’ is Imtiaz at his most intense. Ranbir Kapoor’s Jordan, a boy from Delhi chasing rockstar fame, finds his muse in Heer (Nargis Fakhri), and what follows is a story of love that consumes and destroys. A.R. Rahman’s music, especially ‘Kun Faya Kun’ and ‘Nadaan Parindey’, heightens the pain and poetry of it all. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

‘Tamasha’: A journey of self-discovery like no other, ‘Tamasha’ explores how we lose and find ourselves in the stories we tell. Ved (Ranbir Kapoor) and Tara’s (Deepika Padukone) offbeat love story unfolds in Corsica and continues through the emotional mazes of adulthood. It’s a film that connects with anyone who’s ever lived a double life between passion and responsibility.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ (2009): Exploring how love evolves across generations, ‘Love Aaj Kal’ presents parallel love stories — one modern, the other old-school — showing that though time changes, feelings don’t. Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone shine as Jai and Meera, while the past love of Veer and Harleen offers quiet charm. With timeless tracks like ‘Dooriyan’ and ‘Ajj Din Chadheya’, the film remains an emotional favourite.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ (2020):  Ali’s 2020 reboot adds a Gen-Z layer to the original’s emotional blueprint. Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan portray a modern couple navigating ambition, intimacy, and emotional baggage in a hyper-connected world. In parallel, Kartik’s second role as Veer reflects a simpler time and pure devotion. It’s a bittersweet reminder that while the tools of connection have changed, the chaos of love remains. Watch it on Tata Play Binge.