Though she made her debut in K Jo’s Student of the Year, it was Imtiaz’s Highway that won Alia Bhatt critical acclaim and put her on the list of Bollywood’s young contenders. She has been seen in roles as varied as a teen diva, a young girl with Stockholm Syndrome and a victim sold into the sex trade.
But Alia seems to retain a down-to-earth, humble demeanour, despite the many films and awards in her kitty. In a chat, the actress opened up about her relationship with her father, working with Varun Dhawan and much more.
How has life been of late Hectic. I’m travelling constantly, barely touching down in Mumbai before taking off again.
It can’t be easy being India’s youngest superstar I wouldn’t call myself that. But if you do, I don’t mind (laughs). I am not comfortable being called a star. I am an actor first. So as of now I like being referred to as an actor. Fortunately, I have worked with some truly outstanding actors so far and I’ve learnt from all of them.
Do you make a conscious effort to learn from your co-stars I don’t make a conscious effort to do anything, because if you try too hard, the effort shows.
Do you still seek Karan Johar’s advice Of course. But he isn’t the sort of person to stop me from doing anything. I think of myself as his daughter, not his buddy.
Are you buddies with your own father Yes, of course. Mahesh Bhatt (dad) is my best friend. He is my coolest and closest buddy.
...and oldest buddy No, oldest would be my grandfather. My Nanaji. I think a lot of aspirations to be an actor came from him. When I was younger, I’d speak to him at least once every day, and every day he’d tell me a story. I loved that. When I was a child, I’d put up a performance for my grandfather, dance to a song and he’d applaud. So he was my first spectator.
You’ve been working on a new film with Varun Dhawan. How is he as a co-star It’s always good to work with him. He was my first co-star. We’ve a terrific bond and we’re both enthusiastic just being on the sets. Both of us were bitten by the acting bug since we were kids.
Any regrets about Shuddhi being shelved Yes, I was looking forward to working with director Karan Malhotra. He has such a grand vision of cinema and his direction is epic.
Do you look forward to doing your own special song like Katrina’s Chikni Chameli in Karan Malhotra’s film All in good time. Katrina hit the ball out of the park with that one. I am still very young. I love dancing. Whenever my special song will come, I promise it will be really special.
Any plans to work with your dad We’re very sure that we will work together. But it won’t be like, “Chalo kar lete hain.” It has to be something special. Of course it has to happen. It’s a family’s production house and I owe myself a chance to work with my father.
Are you satisfied with the progress you’ve Yes, I am. I feel I am learning. Earlier I used to be restless. Now, I am calmer, though very passionate about my work. I know I am here for the long run.
What do you look for in a role Would the audience like the film as much as I do If yes, I do it.
What do you do with the money you earn I don’t even think about it. I just do the work that pleases me. I don’t have to work to put the food on my table. I’ve been well provided for. But now, I’ve bought my own house with my own money. It’s a big thing for me.
Which has been the most difficult film you’ve done so far It has to be Udta Punjab. It took me to areas of pain and suffering I never want to visit again. One of the perks of doing the film was that I got to watch Kareena at work. I’ve always admired her. She is undoubtedly a diva and, yet, so down-to-earth. When she enters a room, it automatically lights up.
