Ali features in the newly-released film "Khamoshiyan", produced by Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt under their Vishesh Films banner.
"He gave it to me as a sign of friendship. I share a very unsaid unstated relationship with him. It's not about exchanging books. It's ideologies being bartered," Ali said in a statement.
"I have grown very fond of Bhatt saab. He reminds me of a pleasant time," he added.
"Khamoshiyan" also stars Gurmeet Choudhary and Sapna Pabbi.