Fatima Sana Shaikh lit up the Jagran Film Festival alongside co-star Vijay Varma as the duo promoted their upcoming romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq – Kuch Pehle Jaisa. And if Fatima’s excitement is anything to go by, this film is shaping up to be a full-course cinematic feast.
When asked what makes the film special, her answer was delightfully candid: “We got Gulzar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, plus Manish Malhotra and his designed outfits— all we had to do was be there. Everything is just good.” Honestly, with that lineup, who wouldn’t be sold?
Fatima also gave a peek into her prep for this retro-Delhi style romance, revealing that the journey was as enriching as the film’s cast list. “I had to work on my diction…the lingo needed to be clean,” she shared. With director Vibhu Puri guiding her and Naseeruddin Shah gently (and occasionally sternly!) correcting her, Fatima called the experience “a lot of learning” and something she truly cherished. Imagine getting your language lessons from Naseer sahab—talk about an elite masterclass!
The film follows Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman, who travels to Delhi to learn the art of perfect poetry from retired poet Aziz, only to fall for his daughter Minni—until misunderstandings inevitably complicate matters. With themes of love, poetry, heartbreak, and reconciliation wrapped in an old-world charm, the story promises a warm, nostalgic ride. Add Vijay Varma’s intensity and Fatima’s elegance, and we’re already booking our front-row seats.
Directed by Vibhu Puri and produced by Stage5 Productions, Gustaakh Ishq – Kuch Pehle Jaisa also marks fashion icon Manish Malhotra’s debut as a film producer—which explains why the wardrobe is already a talking point. With the film set to release on 28 November 2025, it looks like this romance is ready to sweep audiences off their feet…one shayari at a time.