Rumi’s Philosophy of Love in Rockstar: Beyond Right and Wrong

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there." This timeless verse by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi encapsulates the essence of love that transcends societal judgments and expectations. Love, as Rumi envisioned, exists in a realm untouched by human notions of morality—a pure, boundless space where souls meet without the burden of labels. This profound philosophy finds a vivid cinematic reflection in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar, a film that challenges societal norms to portray love in its rawest and most transformative form.

At its core, Rockstar explores the tumultuous relationship between Jordan (Ranbir Kapoor) and Heer (Nargis Fakhri), two individuals connected by a love so intense that it defies societal rules. Heer is married, and by conventional standards, her connection with Jordan is ‘wrong.’ Yet their bond transcends such judgments, echoing Rumi’s vision of a love that is pure, unshackled, and transformative—a love that thrives in that metaphorical field beyond ideas of right and wrong.


Rumi’s poetry often speaks of love as a spiritual awakening, a force that liberates and transforms. His concept of the field—a space where human judgments dissolve—invites us to reconsider the nature of love itself. In Rockstar, Imtiaz Ali brings this philosophy to life through Jordan and Heer’s relationship.

Heer’s love for Jordan is not about breaking her marital vows but about finding a piece of herself that societal expectations have buried. Her marriage represents the life she is supposed to live, while her love for Jordan is the life her soul craves. Similarly, Jordan is not just in love with Heer—he is transformed by her. His music, his passion, and even his pain are deeply intertwined with their bond. Together, they exist in a world that society cannot comprehend, a world where their love is beyond moral constructs.
Society has long dictated the rules of love, framing relationships within binaries of morality and legality. These rules create a world where love is boxed into socially acceptable molds, leaving little room for its true, unfiltered expression. Rumi’s verse rejects this dichotomy, urging us to look beyond what is labeled as ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’
Rockstar embodies this rejection of societal constraints. Jordan and Heer’s love story is neither clean nor convenient—it is messy, painful, and deeply human. Their love is not about conforming to societal norms but about embracing the chaos and imperfection of genuine connection. Through their story, Imtiaz Ali raises a question central to Rumi’s philosophy: Who gets to decide what is ‘wrong’ in love? Why must human connection be subjected to societal judgment?
Imtiaz Ali’s films often grapple with the complexities of love. From the longing in Tamasha to the serendipitous connections in Jab We Met, Ali’s characters consistently challenge societal notions of love. In Rockstar, this theme reaches its zenith. Jordan and Heer’s relationship is a testament to love’s ability to exist outside the boundaries of social approval.

Their story is not just about romance—it is about liberation. Heer’s moments with Jordan allow her to shed the facade of societal expectations, while Jordan finds in Heer a muse who ignites his art and passion. Their love, though fraught with pain and longing, is a sanctuary—a space where they can be their truest selves.

Rumi famously said, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” In Rockstar, love indeed becomes a bridge—not only between Jordan and Heer but also between their inner selves and the world they navigate. Their love is not perfect, but it is authentic. It is not bound by the constructs of society but thrives in the vulnerability and chaos of human emotion.
This bridge is what makes Rumi’s philosophy resonate so deeply with audiences. Love, in its truest form, is not about adhering to rules but about breaking free from them. It is about meeting in that field where judgment and expectations no longer matter—a field where only the purity of connection exists.

In both Rumi’s poetry and Rockstar, love is not about comfort—it is about transformation. Heer’s love for Jordan pushes her to confront parts of herself she has suppressed. Jordan’s love for Heer fuels his journey as an artist, but it also brings him pain that defines his very being. Their love is far from ideal, yet it is deeply meaningful.

This is what makes Rumi’s vision of love so timeless. It reminds us that love is not about perfection or approval. It is about connection, vulnerability, and the courage to exist beyond societal constraints. Jordan and Heer’s story, though imperfect and heartbreaking, is a celebration of this philosophy.
Rumi’s words and Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling remind us of the transformative power of love. They teach us that love cannot be boxed into societal definitions of right and wrong. It is a force that liberates, transforms, and connects. In Rockstar, Jordan and Heer dwell in that field beyond judgment, embodying a love that is raw, unfiltered, and eternal.

As audiences, we are left with a poignant reminder: True love does not conform—it simply exists. In a world often obsessed with defining what love should be, perhaps the greatest act of love is to meet each other in that field, beyond all ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing