Renowned Bollywood director Sajid Ali, known for his work on films like "Laila Majnu" and "Wo Bhi Din The," visited his alma mater Loyola School on Friday morning to address the inter-school event, Azionare. Ali, who has carved a niche for himself in the film industry, credited the values and ethics instilled in him during his time at Loyola as the foundation of his success.

Recalling his early days, Ali shared a memorable experience from 2003 when he performed his very first skit at Loyola School. "The skit was organized in honor of the then Principal, Father Pius Fernandes, and it was based on the Domicile issue," Ali reminisced. "That performance made me realize my talent and passion for storytelling."

Speaking to this correspondent, Ali reflected on his journey from a schoolboy in Loyola to a filmmaker in Mumbai. "When I moved to Mumbai, I truly understood the importance of the extracurricular activities that Loyola organized. Those activities played a crucial role in shaping my personality and helped me discover my talent," he said. "Father Pius has always been a guiding force in my life."

Sajid Ali, the younger brother of the well-known Bollywood writer-director Imtiaz Ali, began his career in the film industry by co-writing the romantic comedy-drama "Cocktail" alongside his brother. The film, starring Saif Ali Khan, marked his entry into Bollywood. In 2018, Ali made his directorial debut with the romantic drama "Laila Majnu," which he also co-wrote. His latest release, "Wo Bhi Din The," premiered on an OTT platform and received widespread acclaim for its fresh take on the coming-of-age genre.

During his visit, Ali also shared that Loyola School holds a special place in his heart. In fact, the school was the backdrop for his latest film, "Wo Bhi Din The." The 2024 Hindi-language coming-of-age romantic comedy, co-written with Saurabh Swamy and directed by Ali himself, reflects his deep connection with the school and its values.

Father Vinod Fernandes, Principal, Loyola School and Vice Principal Jayanti Sheshadri played a key role in the success of the event.