Ghai, known for directing blockbusters like ‘Khalnayak’ and ‘Taal,’ shared anecdotes from their joint projects. He praised Siddiqui’s dialogues in films such as ‘Paheli’ for their lyrical quality that resonated deeply with audiences across generations.

‘What sets Javed apart is his literary soul,’ Ghai noted. Siddiqui’s background as a poet and novelist enriched his screenplays, adding layers of emotion and intellect rarely seen today.

Their collaboration spanned decades, yielding stories that explored love, loss, and redemption with elegant prose. Ghai credited Siddiqui for teaching him the power of words in visual storytelling.

As Bollywood embraces formulaic narratives, Ghai’s words underscore the need for writers like Siddiqui. His legacy as a multifaceted genius remains a benchmark for aspiring scribes in the industry.