Alia Bhatt, a powerhouse of talent in Bollywood, has expressed how her roles in films like ‘Udta Punjab‘, ‘Highway‘, and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi‘ have profoundly impacted her both personally and professionally. In a recent interview, she candidly shared how these characters shaped her identity, revealing the emotional toll and growth that comes with such intense performances.
During a discussion with IMDb for their Icons Only segment, she recounted the intense emotional journey she underwent while preparing for her character in ‘Udta Punjab’, revealing that she “physically shut down from the rest of the world” during the film’s production.
Released in 2016, ‘Udta Punjab’ is a gritty portrayal of the drug crisis in Punjab, where Alia plays Pinky, a Bihari migrant caught in a web of addiction and exploitation. Reflecting on her experience, Bhatt admitted that this role was particularly challenging. “I actually physically shut down from the rest of the world, emotionally shut down for the time period that I was shooting the film,” she stated. This method acting approach marked a departure from her previous work, making it a unique experience in her career.
Alia’s portrayal of Pinky was not just about acting; it was an emotional immersion into a character whose life experiences were vastly different from her own. She noted, “I could never really relate to my character… but I could empathise with her plight”. This empathy allowed her to deliver a performance that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, showcasing her ability to inhabit complex characters.
The ‘Darlings’ actress also discussed how her role in the 2014 film ‘Highway’ acted as another catalyst for change in her life. The film’s narrative took her on a literal journey across India, which mirrored an emotional journey of self-discovery. Bhatt described this experience as akin to going away to college, stating, “The first time I really had an experience like that was like going away to college but only my college was a film set”. This time away from home allowed her to explore new aspects of her personality and acting skills.
Following ‘Highway’, Bhatt starred in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, which earned her the National Award for Best Actress. She reflected on this experience as transformative, noting that she wasn’t the same actor after completing the film. Her admiration for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was evident as she remarked that “an actor can never be the same after being directed by him”. Alia’s collaboration with Bhansali further solidified her reputation as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.
Alia Bhatt’s career trajectory since her debut in Karan Johar’s ‘Student Of The Year’ has been marked by a series of challenging roles that have contributed to her growth as an actress and individual. As she prepares for future projects, including the upcoming YRF Spy Universe movie ‘Alpha’, it is clear that Alia continues to seek out roles that challenge and inspire her.
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