Actors Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri’s Laila Majnu (2018) tanked at the box office and was out of theatres in just a week. But over the years, the film amassed love from cinephiles. Six years later, it is being re-released in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, where the film was shot, and Tiwary is “the happiest man”.

“People in Srinagar really wanted a re-release because none of them got a chance to see it in theatres. When I spoke to Imtiaz (Ali, filmmaker and co-writer of the film) sir, he said, ‘Haan, honi chahiye re-release’,” the actor shares, adding, “I wanted it the most for Sajid Ali (director). The film got a lot of love on social media and he didn’t get to see it because he’s not on it.”

Tiwary recently visited Kashmir after seven years and was overwhelmed by the love he received. “I’d be lying if I assume they came for me; they came for Qais Bhat, their Majnu. Laila Majnu didn’t get a chance to grow [in theatres]... I felt that pain. But when I see the love, I feel my wound heals,” he ends.