Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali says his penchant for bringing romance on celluloid results from the absence of a love story in his real life.

Imtiaz has redefined romance on reel with his unusual love stories in films like 'Socha Na Tha', 'Jab We Met', 'Love Aaj Kal', and 'Rockstar'. Ask him what makes him come up with such unconventional love stories every time, Imtiaz says,

"The absence of love stories in my life." Imtiaz reportedly separated from his wife Preety some time ago after the couple decided to call off their marriage.

Apparently, the director is now dating Pakistani model and actress Iman Ali, who starred in the film 'Bol'. Now, he is gearing up for the release of 'Highway', his first film where he did not even have a proper script in hand while shooting.

"This is the only film I have shot where the script was not ready. The script and dialogues and everything got ready while we were shooting the scenes. We made sure we won't go away from the basic story," he added. Travel has always been an integral part of all his films right from his debut film 'Socha Na Tha' to 'Rockstar'.

'Highway' is about travel. It is about the fascination of travel and being away from society," he said. Starring Alia Bhatt, Randeep Hooda in the lead, the film releases in February next year.