Home / Arts and Entertainment / Imtiaz Ali: Kolkata's Pace is Poetry, Not Slowness
Imtiaz Ali: Kolkata's Pace is Poetry, Not Slowness
8 Mar
Summary
- Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali finds Kolkata's unique pace a beautiful life-work balance.
- He believes the city has always nurtured artists and creativity.
- Ali recalls Kolkata's past cosmopolitan charm and sophisticated fun.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali describes Kolkata as a city that embodies poetry through its unique rhythm, a deliberate contrast to the frantic pace of other urban centers. He perceives this deliberate pace not as slowness, but as a mindful balance between life and work, a beautiful yet challenging achievement.
Ali believes Kolkata has consistently provided a nurturing environment for artists and intellectuals, dating back centuries. He notes the city's inherent respect for creativity, which has fostered a strong artistic community deeply integrated into daily life.
Reflecting on the city's past, Ali highlights its cosmopolitan charm and sophistication. He recalls anecdotes of stylish, almost decadent, entertainment from bygone eras at notable establishments, painting a picture of a city that once led in elegance and fun.



