Alia Bhatt, the name that reverberates with grace, talent, and dedication, has carved her niche in the Bollywood industry. Her journey from a budding actor to a National Film Award-winning powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring. What sets her apart, however, is her insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth. She’s not just a talented actor; she’s a dedicated artist who continually pushes her boundaries to reach new heights. Alia’s recent interview with Vogue Singapore gave us a peek into her extraordinary journey, from her early days in the industry to her recent triumphs. Among the insights she shared, her experiences working with Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali stood out among all.

THE INFLUENCE OF SHAH RUKH KHAN

When Alia Bhatt shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Dear Zindagi,’ it was not just another movie for her; it was a master class in acting, professionalism, and humility. Alia, like a sponge, absorbed every lesson that the ‘King of Bollywood’ had to offer.

We all know how Shah Rukh Khan is known for his impeccable work ethics and has always been an inspiration to budding talents in the industry. You are bound to get a glimpse of a few fans standing outside his house every other day just so as to get a glimpse of the king himself. His behaviour on and off the set is a testament to his dedication and respect for his craft. Alia was quick to recognize this, stating, “He made such an impact on the way I am and how I behave on set. His behaviour, respect, inclination towards everything in a scene—I learnt a lot from that.” impact on the way I am and how I behave on set. His behaviour, respect, inclination towards everything in a scene—I learnt a lot from that.”

The craze revolving SRK isn’t just about his charisma; it’s about his unwavering commitment to his work. He doesn’t merely act; he lives and breathes his characters, a quality that Alia embraced wholeheartedly.

SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI’S SCHOOL OF IMAGINATION

Alia’s journey took a turn for the better when she teamed up with the visionary director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’ Bhansali, known for his larger-than-life storytelling and grandeur, became Alia’s acting school.

“For GangubaiKathiawadi, I felt like I went back to school all over again, but this time it was acting school,” Alia exclaimed. The Bhansali experience is transformative; it’s not just about acting; it’s about becoming the character, living in a world of his creation. Alia confessed, “Once you walk out of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali set, you’re no longer the same person. Like Ranveer [Singh] says, you’ve been ‘Bhansali-fied.'”

But Alia Bhatt’s journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her mentor, Karan Johar. She kickstarted her career under his guidance, and it was a profound learning experience. From Karan, she imbibed the values of decorum, behaviour, respect, and understanding. His nurturing qualities also left an indelible mark on her.

Each has left a distinctive mark on her as an actor and as an individual. They represent different facets of the industry – discipline, imagination, and etiquette.

Thus, Alia Bhatt’s dedication to her craft and her openness to learning from the best are the attributes that have catapulted her to the pinnacle of success. As she embarks on a new project, ‘Jigra’, an emotional action drama that she is co-producing with Dharma Productions and which is set to hit the floors in September, we as fans can only wish the best for her on her journey moving forward.