Celebrated filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is known for his forthright opinions, often sparking discussions with his candid remarks. Recently, Bhatt shared his uninhibited thoughts on his daughter Alia Bhatt’s acting career, drawing a stark contrast between her debut film, “Student of the Year,” and her breakthrough performance in “Udta Punjab.”
In a revealing conversation with India Today, Mahesh Bhatt reflected on Alia’s early days in the industry, describing her role in “Student of the Year” as that of a mere mannequin. The 2012 romantic drama, directed by Karan Johar and co-starring Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra, marked Alia’s entry into Bollywood. However, for her father, it was far from a testament to her acting prowess.
Despite this initial lukewarm appraisal, Mahesh Bhatt’s tone shifted dramatically when discussing Alia’s role in “Udta Punjab.” Here, he was emphatically impressed, even describing himself as “devastated” by her performance. In the 2016 crime drama, Alia played the role of a Bihari migrant laborer trapped in the drug menace of Punjab, a character starkly different from her affluent, polished persona in “Student of the Year.”
“I must say that I was devastated by Udta Punjab,” Mahesh Bhatt stated, clearly moved by her acting. He expressed his astonishment at how Alia, raised in a privileged atmosphere in Juhu, Mumbai, could convincingly portray the raw and gritty character of a Bihari migrant. “I didn’t understand when did this girl, this Juhu girl exposed to our home, where we live like a normal family… How did this Juhu girl get the accent right of an Adivasi from Chhattisgarh? It was amazing. I was astounded by that,” he elaborated, emphasizing the complexity and authenticity of her performance that left him in awe.
Further in the discussion, Bhatt continued to dissect his daughter’s acting journey, emphasizing the stark transformation she underwent. He believed that her performance in “Udta Punjab” represented a significant departure from her earlier roles, symbolizing her growth and evolution as an actress. “Her raw power, and her ability to get into such a vulnerable space, and bare her heart.
. Highway and Udta Punjab… It was a departure from that girl who was just a mannequin in Student of the Year. You see the evolution in your child also,” Bhatt remarked, highlighting how films like “Highway” and “Udta Punjab” marked turning points in her career.
On the professional front, Alia Bhatt’s career continues to soar. She is set to headline the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe, a noted achievement in the male-dominated genre. The film, produced by Aditya Chopra, features Alia and Sharvari Wagh as formidable super-agents. Chopra lauds them as the “ALPHA girls of the pack,” underlining the significant roles they are set to play in this exciting new installment of the spy universe.
Yash Raj Films’ CEO, Akshaye Widhani, couldn’t contain his excitement while announcing Alia’s involvement in the project. “I’ll share the worst kept secret in the industry, which is, Alia Bhatt is headlining a Spy Universe film and that the schedule starts later this year. But you know, talking about this spy universe, we are actually just so thrilled and excited about having this IP in the studio,” Widhani shared, reflecting the buzz and anticipation surrounding Alia’s entry into this high-octane film series.
It seems clear that Alia Bhatt’s trajectory in the Indian film industry has been one of continuous growth and remarkable transformation. From a debut that left her father underwhelmed to gaining his profound admiration for her compelling performances, Alia continues to redefine her limits and break new ground. As she steps into the leading role of the YRF Spy Universe, anticipation mounts, and fans are eager to see yet another layer of her versatile talent unveiled on the big screen.
Mahesh Bhatt remains a critical eye, but also the proud father deeply moved by his daughter’s journey and evolution. From “mannequin” to powerful performer, Alia Bhatt’s story is one of resilience, learning, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
