Mahesh Bhatt Calls Alia Bhatt a 'Mannequin' in 'Student of the Year'; Felt 'Astounded' By Her Role In 'Udta Punjab'

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently discussed the remarkable growth of his daughter, Alia Bhatt, in the Hindi film industry, highlighting a performance that left him deeply moved. Alia, recognized as one of the most talented actors of her generation, has consistently excelled since her debut in Karan Johar’s ‘Student of the Year’ over a decade ago.

In an interview with India Today, Mahesh Bhatt was asked about his favorite performance by Alia. He mentioned being particularly affected by her roles in ‘Udta Punjab’ and ‘Highway,’ describing her performance in ‘Student of the Year’ as that of a ‘mannequin.’ He expressed his amazement, saying, “I was devastated by Udta Punjab. I didn’t understand how this Juhu girl, exposed to our normal family life, managed to perfectly capture the accent of an Adivasi from Chhattisgarh. It was astounding.”

He continued, “Her raw power and ability to enter such a vulnerable space and bare her heart in ‘Highway’ and ‘Udta Punjab’ marked a significant departure from her earlier mannequin-like role in ‘Student of the Year.’ You can see the evolution in your child.” Mahesh Bhatt also noted the profound impact of Alia becoming a mother to Raha in 2022.

Alia has collaborated with her father on one film, the pandemic-era release ‘Sadak 2,’ which was poorly received. Despite this setback in her otherwise stellar career, Mahesh Bhatt has declared ‘Sadak 2’ his final film, stating, “I am outdated, a has-been,” in a recent interview with the Indian Express. Meanwhile, Karan Johar, in an interview with Faye D’Souza, expressed pride in ‘Student of the Year,’ noting he made it simply for fun.

Over the years, Alia has garnered critical acclaim and a massive fan following for her impressive range of performances. Known for her ability to embody diverse characters with authenticity and depth, she has starred in a variety of genres, from intense dramas to light-hearted romances. Some of her most notable films include “Highway” (2014), “Udta Punjab” (2016), “Raazi” (2018), “Gully Boy” (2019), and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” (2022).

Her portrayal of complex characters has won her numerous awards and accolades, cementing her status as one of the leading actresses in contemporary Indian cinema.In addition to her acting prowess, Alia is also a talented singer, having lent her voice to several songs in her films. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her natural talent, has made her a beloved figure both within the industry and among audiences worldwide.