“Listening to Imtiaz Sir Felt Almost Hypnotic”: Sanjana Sanghi Reminisces About Her Rockstar Days

Mumbai: Celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently shared a warm and amusing memory from the sets of his cult film Rockstar, delighting fans during a special interaction with Sanjana Sanghi, who played the film’s child artiste and was just 13 years old at the time.

Recalling her early on-set experiences, Sanjana said, “I was only 13 then. Whenever Imtiaz sir would brief a scene, it genuinely felt hypnotic to listen to him. During the shoot of Rockstar’s final scene, Jordan (Ranbir Kapoor) and I were waiting in a room where people usually get blood tests done. The scene was shot at a hospital in Karol Bagh. Suddenly, Imtiaz sir nudged us and said, ‘Come on, perform now!’”

Sharing a light-hearted anecdote, Imtiaz Ali added with a laugh, “I remember explaining a scene to Sanjana, and she said, ‘No sir, I think it should be done another way.’ Ranbir immediately supported her and said, ‘Sir, she’s right.’ At that moment, I felt quite insulted in front of the entire crew,” he joked.

During the special Rockstar fan meet, Imtiaz and Sanjana also reflected on the film’s enduring memories—its music, Irshad Kamil’s poetry, and Ranbir Kapoor’s iconic performance—discussing how the film continues to resonate across generations.

For Sanjana, Rockstar marked a pivotal beginning, setting her on a journey she could never have imagined—her first step into the magical world of cinema.

Today, her identity extends far beyond the screen. From becoming a pop-culture favourite as the emotionally resonant Kizie Basu in Dil Bechara to emerging as a Global Youth Advocate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sanjana has carved a distinct path of her own. She actively champions youth-led development and inclusion on global platforms.

Currently excited about her upcoming projects, Sanjana’s journey—from a 13-year-old on the Rockstar set to a confident young artist whose voice is now heard across global cultural and social landscapes—truly comes full circle.