Alia Bhatt talked about her 12 years of film journey. He told how different characters made him a better actor. The National Award was a proud moment for him. Alia told that she will be seen in action avatar in ‘Alpha’.
highlights
- Alia Bhatt has completed 12 years in her career and during this time she has worked in many successful films.
- Alia Bhatt calls winning National Award for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ a wonderful experience in her career
- Alia Bhatt said that she has worked with many talented directors and writers in her career, who inspire her.
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has been active in the industry for the last 12 years. She debuted with Karan Johar’s movie and today has worked with legends like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and has won the National Award. Became the mother of a daughter. Became the daughter-in-law of the Kapoor family. And his career did not stop. The day doubled and the night increased quadrupled. Success kept on kissing. Now she will be seen in ‘Alpha’. He had an exclusive conversation with Navbharat Times. What did he say during this time, read some excerpts from the interview-
You started your career with ‘Student of the Year’ and now your career has completed 12 years, in which you have worked in films like ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Highway’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Gangubai’, ‘Gully Boy’, ‘ There are many films like ‘Jigra’. Do you see your journey?
-Having lived so many diverse roles over the years, I have fallen more in love with my work. It is this aspect of acting that fascinates me the most and also inspires me that there are so many emotions to convey in a story and a character. I am very happy that I have worked with many talented directors and writers in my career and hope that this trend will continue. As an actress, I aspire to see challenges in the characters and come out of my comfort zone.
After 6 Filmfare Awards, a National Award is also registered in your account, people say that you and the awards have become complementary to each other?
-To be honest, while doing a film it does not occur to me that I will get an award for this film. While playing every character, my endeavor is to keep that film in mind. The story and characters should inspire the audience and they should take it with them. The awards certainly encourage us that we are on the right track. Talking about Gangubai Kathiawadi, its entire journey has been very special for me and when I got the National Award, it was undoubtedly a wonderful moment. Receiving this honor is a matter of great pride for any artist.
When did the phase of transformation come in your career and life?
-It is difficult to choose any one period. But there were many moments from which we learned a lot. At the age of just 19, I did my first film. In the second film, I got a chance to work with a director like Imtiaz Ali in ‘Highway’. Then this journey continued with many other talented filmmakers and writers. My first film as a producer, ‘Darlings’ taught me a lot. Even though he took many lessons from his first Hollywood film ‘Heart of Stone’, there was not a single moment of transformation in all these years. Every opportunity took me to my best version.
How does it feel for Gangubai to win a National Award at such a young age? Was your role very complex and layered?
-Gangubai Kathiawadi has been the most difficult and challenging character of my acting journey. First of all, stepping into Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s world is a dream for any artiste. Personally, after working on this film with Sanjay sir, there has been a change in me, my outlook towards life has changed. I consider those two years very important for my life. I have no words for an honor like the National Award, it was an incredible experience. That was a very important day in my life, very special.
In Jigra, you showed strength in emotion as well as action, how challenging was it to do action on screen?
– With every film I try to think, what new am I doing this time? How am I challenging myself as an actor? I have to come out of my comfort zone and do something. Satya’s character in ‘Jigra’ is also similar, to what extent she can go to save her brother. The action was quite exciting and challenging.
As an actress, which role has you spent the most on?
-It will be very difficult to choose a character, every character has its own challenges and excitement. Her intensity, fearlessness in ‘Gangubai’, being a part of that environment in ‘Gully Boy’, empathizing with Badrunnisa in ’Darlings’, and now high force action in ’Alpha’. It is also a good thing that none of my characters overlap with anyone else and hopefully I will continue to do the same in future also.
You have also shot during pregnancy and after that your films have continuously proved to be a milestone, what message would you like to give to women?
-Parenting is a life long role, there is no correct rule book, you keep learning continuously. There are many other mothers like me, who are raising their children along with work. So there will be mistakes in this process, there will be something new to learn every day. No day will be the same. We should not be too strict on ourselves in this matter.
Through your roles you have always talked about women empowerment or women’s issues. Be it Highway, Raazi, Darlings or Gangubai, what bothers you the most as a girl?
-The only thing common among all the characters I played was that they all knew their self-worth. They all moved forward for their self-respect. As an actor, I have played such characters who have an identity, a voice, who believe in themselves without any doubt. So I also believe that today every girl should have confidence in herself and should not doubt herself. I don’t like it when girls look at their own skills with suspicious eyes.
There were many proud moments in your career and life, but when did you feel humiliation and rejection?
-There is a saying in English ‘There is always someone better than me somewhere’ i.e. there must be someone better than you somewhere, so never say that I have achieved everything. Or I know everything. Someone will be better than you. And I have always observed that there will be a lot of noise around you, but it is very important that you keep your head down and do your work. There are many moments which disappoint you, but you should cut off those external voices and work with confidence in yourself. Your work will speak for itself.
Tell us something about your upcoming film Alpha?
– I am very excited about this film. Can’t tell much at the moment, but this is a film in which two heroines will be seen in action avatar in the lead roles and it is very exciting for me.
About the author
Rekha KhanRekha Khan is the Features and Entertainment Editor at Navbharat Times, Times Group. He has worked for over two decades in renowned publications, magazines and radio. For her contribution in the field of journalism, she has been honored with many awards like Stree Shakti Puraskar, Power of Pain, Most Inspiring Woman in Journalism, Most Powerful Woman in Media. Apart from journalism, Rekha also loves writing and reading. He has written a Gujarati novel titled ‘Koi Sapna Na Kharido’. She is a very good speaker and anchor. Along with anchoring TV shows, she has also shown her talent in acting. Read more
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What challenges did Alia Bhatt face during her early career in Bollywood?
Interview: Reflections on Alia Bhatt’s Stellar Journey and Future Prospects
Editor (Time.news): Today, we’re thrilled to have a conversation with a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, Alia Bhatt, who has just celebrated 12 years in cinema. Alia, your journey began with “Student of the Year,” and you’ve since transformed into one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actresses. What do you believe has shaped you the most over this decade?
Alia Bhatt: Thank you for having me! It’s been an exhilarating journey, and I’d say that the variety of characters I’ve portrayed has enriched my craft significantly. Every role introduces me to new emotions and challenges, deepening my love for acting. Working with incredible directors and writers has also been a huge inspiration, igniting my desire to step out of my comfort zone continuously.
Editor: You’ve received numerous accolades, including a National Award for “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” How did that recognition impact you?
Alia: Winning the National Award was a remarkable moment in my career. While I don’t act with the expectation of awards, that honor was particularly special to me. “Gangubai” was a complex character, and I drew so much from the experience. That entire journey remains pivotal in my life. Ultimately, I hope the audience connects with my work, and that recognition is a lovely affirmation that we’re on the right path.
Editor: Speaking of “Gangubai,” stepping into a role with so many layers must have been challenging. What was your experience like working with a visionary like Sanjay Leela Bhansali?
Alia: Collaborating with Sanjay sir was nothing short of a dream. He creates such a rich and immersive world, and for two years, I learned immensely through that process. It reshaped my outlook on life and artistry. Portraying Gangubai was arguably the most challenging phase of my career, but the growth I experienced was invaluable.
Editor: Now, as you venture into action with your upcoming film “Alpha,” what adjustments are you making in your approach to portraying characters?
Alia: Each project presents its own challenges. With “Alpha,” I’m keen on pushing my limits. Satya’s storyline, especially the lengths she goes to protect her brother, really resonated with me. It was an exciting challenge to bring such physicality to my performance while embodying deep emotional resonance.
Editor: You mentioned previously that every character leaves a mark on you. Looking back, which role has tested you the most?
Alia: That’s a tough question because every role has its unique demands. However, the intensity and fearlessness required in “Gangubai” and the emotional depth in “Darlings” have taught me so much. It’s been crucial for me to ensure that each character is distinct and leaves a lasting impression—not only on the audience but on me as an actress.
Editor: Balancing motherhood with your career is no small feat. What can you tell other working women navigating similar paths?
Alia: Parenting is indeed an evolving journey. I believe there is no definitive guidebook—it’s about learning continuously and being open to adjustments. Like many working mothers, I encounter challenges, but I embrace the experience. We need to allow ourselves grace and realize that no day will be perfect.
Editor: Your roles often shine a light on women’s empowerment and self-worth. What message do you hope your performances convey to young women?
Alia: The common thread in my characters is that they each recognize their self-worth. I see every role as an opportunity to inspire confidence in women—not to doubt their skills or identities. We must encourage young girls to believe in themselves and to find their voice in a world that sometimes tries to silence them.
Editor: As you reflect on your career, have there been moments of rejection that you’ve learned from?
Alia: Absolutely. There’s a valuable lesson in every rejection. I often remind myself that there will always be someone better out there, and that realization is humbling. It drives me to work harder and evolve as an artist. Each setback is ultimately a step toward growth.
Editor: Thank you, Alia, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is an inspiring testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of self-belief.
Alia Bhatt: Thank you so much! I appreciate the conversation and look forward to continuing this journey of exploration and growth.