New Delhi: Alia Bhatt could have made it to the big screen with a film directed by her father Mahesh Bhatt. But it has been a conscious decision for her to make a mark in the industry, no matter how difficult it is, without depending on a well-known name tag. Even though Alia, who belongs to the Bollywood clique, had the option not to combat barriers to make progression in the acting profession, and find an easy way out to survive in the industry, she has been resolute about not relying on bloodline. And with her second film 'Highway', directed by Imtiaz Ali, Alia has proved that the one denominator that remains common to all successful actors is their perseverance in the face of undefeatable odds to realize the dream of being a star. We pay attention and listen in as she rattles off her struggles, comparisons with Kareena Kapoor and a lot more.
Like Bollywood A-lister Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt also has a filmy background, conscious of how she looks, and has an elder sister who is still being lauded for her contribution to Indian showbiz industry. With so much in common, Karan Johar was right when he said in an interview that Alia remind him of Kareena Kapoor. But the Bhatt lass feels these comparisons are non-existent, at least for her. "I don't think there should be any comparisons between me and Kareena. Agreed, many compared my character Shanaya in 'Student of the Year'with Kareena's Pooh in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' and that too because both are fashionistas, but even then Shanaya couldn't match up to Pooh. Even if people think there is some similarity, I don't see it. There can't be any similarity ever. I don't think I can match up to her."
In one of the recent interviews father Mahesh lauded Alia's efforts in 'Highway' and said, "Alia's 'Highway' reminds me of 'Arth'". Like her father, mother Soni Razdan hasn't been vocal about her opinion on Alia's professional growth and performance. "My mother loves everything I do, but doesn't praise me much. There are moments when I'm exhausted, confused and worried, and that's when her support makes a difference. She has helped me to live in reality, and what I'm doing isn't enough, which have been the most important lessons I have learnt in my life. If I work extra hard and persevere, it is all because of my mother, who takes interest in what I do, motivates and inspires me in difficult times.
Even though mother Soni has several popular Bollywood projects and plays to her credit, the more admired being 'Saaransh' and 'Monsoon Wedding', Alia would never want to be part of the remakes of any of her works. "I would never want to do any of her projects. She is fantastic actor and has been perfect in everything she has done so far. That's why I wouldn't want to touch her works. Not a single thing she has done will I take up."
The fact that in 'Highway' she got the chance to work with AR Rahman and Imtiaz Ali, stalwarts of Bollywood, it is expected for her to feel like a star. But the actress doesn't think that professional association with them gives her the license for the celebrity treatment. "I'm extremely happy that 'Highway' gave me the opportunity to work with Imtiaz and Rahman sir. We all are aware of their works and appreciate them for the same. But the professional bond doesn't mean I will feel like a star. I'm just grateful and fortunate to be part of the team."
"I didn't have to take up formal training for the role of Veera because Imtiaz wanted me to be raw. So whatever we experienced while travelling to different cities, and the way those experiences affected me have been captured in the film, making it more real. And the travel also made me lose weight. While everybody in the team would have luscious food from dhabas, I had no option but to avoid and gorge on healthy food items. So yes I had to face challenges both physical and emotional. Since the action sequences shot in the film haven't been choreographed, they were strenuous. To do justice to my stunt, I had to push the limits, hurt my neck, suffered injuries in the process resulting in continuous body pain. My character Veera has a unique style, there is a lot that make her different yet appealing. For instance, she speaks to herself, gets wild and a lot more you'll understand once you watch the film," she adds.
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