Imtiaz Ali at Karim City College on Tuesday. (Bhola Prasad)

Jamshedpur, Aug. 25: Basking in the glory of his recent box-office biggie Love Aaj Kal, the modern love guru was in a different role today. The aaj ka director was offering tips to kal ka filmmakers at Karim City College in his hometown.

Taking time off his busy schedule, Imtiaz Ali came to the college on a last-minute decision to share his experience with the students.

“A good story, common sense and ability to understand people are required to become a good director,” said Imtiaz, who today promised to guide the mass communication students in every possible way as a member of the advisory board of the college.

In an interactive session, Ali answered question based on filmmaking, scriptwriting and struggle period. He also enlightened students that it is better to develop your own style of filmmaking rather than copying somebody.

With three films to his credit, Imtiaz said: “It feels fantastic to be around young minds. These students are not glamour-struck and they asked questions related to what they have studied. I have shared the little knowledge I have about filmmaking with them and I hope they learn from them.”

The last time he visited the college was after the release of his debut film Socha Na Tha in 2005, but much has changed after the release of money-spinners like Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal. Imtiaz who could move about freely on the campus in 2005, was today surrounded by hundreds of student fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the star director and ask for his autograph.

The director advised students to read more and watch more films particularly parallel cinemas as he used to do.

“Students often fear techniques in filmmaking but they are just a medium to present your story. If the story is good and has a mass appeal, go ahead with it. Aspiring filmmakers should also keep the business in mind and come up with stories that the nation can watch. It is then films like Sholay are born which is a huge hit and carries a social message,” said Imtiaz, who had walked the ramp at Kolkata Fashion Week.

Students were mesmerised by the humble man with a good sense of humour.

“I am bowled over by his persona. He is such a big director still he is so down to earth. He sat on the floor with us and interacted,” said Komal Priya, a final-year student.