Imtiaz Ali- My films are my travel diaries

From the terrain transitions of Kashmir in his "Rockstar" and "Highway" to the culturally rich lanes of Prague for "Rockstar" and the azure waters of Corsica -- travel has been an intrinsic part of Imtiaz Ali's cinematic works. The filmmaker considers them his "travel diaries".

The avid traveller, who likes to explore the local culture and connect with the vibe of a place rather than do the tourist routine, says he has never made a scrap-book or diary in which he puts down his experiences.

"It is just the movies that I make... The films that I make are the diaries of my travel... Because for me, moviemaking is sort of linked with my personal travel," Imtiaz told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"When I watch a movie for which I've shot in



Portugal, it will reflect what I feel about Portugal," added the filmmaker, who was on Thursday felicitated at the India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) for outstanding contribution to tourism.

Having widely shot for his films across myriad destinations in north India and Europe, Imtiaz said an award for promotion of tourism via films goes to "show that the work I have done in different countries, has encouraged Indian tourism there and that's a good feeling for me".

"Having gone to these places and having worked there with different kinds of people, and working in different cultures was very rewarding... and this award is now time for me to reflect upon the various places I've been to, and all that I have learnt there," he added.