Mahesh Bhatt on What Makes Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor Different
Alia Bhatt has consistently faced tags of nepotism despite her best efforts to prove her mettle. Since her debut in Karan Johar’s 2012 film Student of the Year, Alia has shown her acting talent through critically acclaimed performances in films such as Imtiaz Ali’s Highway (2014), Abhishek Chaubey’s Udta Punjab (2016), Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi (2018), and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022).
Mahesh Bhatt is also of the belief that his daughter has achieved success through her own efforts. He said, “I didn’t launch Alia Bhatt. Karan Johar launched her. I didn’t know she had so much thirst for acting in her. She gave the audition herself. I just got to know they loved her work. I was shocked because I hadn’t seen any such traits in her even remotely. I’m very happy she’s a self-made girl.”
He added, “Alia has astounded me! What is unique about her is that she has a taste for taking risks and she’s taken the detours into diverse narratives.” Mahesh Bhatt also mentioned that she has undergone a significant transformation, which he described as an “alchemical change,” after the birth of her daughter, Raha Kapoor, in 2022.
He said, “I see a new depth in her. With this young girl becoming a mother, there’s a coming-of-age of a different kind of maturity in her. I’m also looking forward to her new films which would be coming out now.”
Alia will be next seen in Shiv Rawail’s spy thriller Alpha, which is a part of Aditya Chopra’s YRF Spy Universe. Backed by Yash Raj Films, it’s set to release in cinemas this Christmas on December 25. Next year, Alia will also star alongside real-life husband Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in Bhansali’s romantic drama Love & War.
Mahesh Bhatt also shared that Ranbir is quite fond of Alia’s work ethic. He said, “Ranbir says, ‘Alia is made of different stuff.’ When I ask him, ‘What do you mean?,’ he says, ‘Her ambition to do more and more and more is unbelievably astounding!’ While he’s a person who’s very laid-back and comforted, and he just wants to do enough. She’s a go-getter.”
Mahesh Bhatt also acknowledged that although there are talented individuals who have benefited from family connections, such as Alia and Ranbir, the genuineness of the discussion around nepotism is undeniable. He shared, “Nature is very fair. It’s not important that the rose would bloom in only your garden. Nature spreads its jewels across the world. Nepotism is a reality, but it’s also not. Just because my child is talented, that doesn’t mean I disqualify them. But it’s definitely easy for them. Because access is success. Talented people don’t even get access for years. It’s important to understand that the voice that’s been raised against nepotism, there’s a collective anger behind that. That’s why we get to hear about that every other day.”
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