Multi-tasking, multi-achieving and still retaining that bit of goofiness – Alia Bhatt shows a girl can have it all and then some.
By Nichola Marie
When Alia Bhatt made it to the TIME’s 100 Most Influential 2024 list, her father Mahesh Bhatt reminded her, “Power, my love, must be used to empower. Keep rising, dear Alia, the world is yours to conquer.”
Even as Daddy Bhatt admitted to being “astounded by the continued rise of Alia Bhatt,” her mentor Karan Johar marked the occasion of his favourite winning global recognition with a spot-on assessment. Dubbing her a “force of nature,” Johar opined that apart from being an incredible and instinctive actor, her deep understanding of film and narrative has led her to be a part of some of the most iconic films in the past decade. “Her ability to transform into her characters seamlessly and effortlessly makes her the powerful artiste and motion picture movie star that she is.”
Learning & Leading
She herself thrives on keeping it simple. “When I’m consuming Korean, Malayalam, or German content, I’m not focusing on the language. I’m connecting with the basic story and the emotion it conveys. I have been very fortunate early in my career to get roles that offer a vast variety of emotional depth to play with. …I challenge myself to see if I can do different kinds of films.”
Keepin’ It Competitive
Leading actress, powerhouse performer, Hollywood debutante, investor, entrepreneur, fashion icon, philanthropist, brand ambassador, mum – the petite Bhatt is all this and more. And all in a day’s work, without breaking a sweat. “I’m very competitive,” she explains, “but mainly and mostly with myself. I think that’s the best kind of competition to have,” adding that when she is running a race, “I don’t believe in looking left or right. I believe in looking straight.”
For her, it’s less about the numbers and more important to stay in the game, stay focused and not take the opportunities she has got, for granted.
It’s this sensible attitude that also governs her opinion on feminism. “Being a feminist is not only limited to girls. Even a man can be a feminist. It is about equality and everyone believes in equality… It is our birthright.”
Shine on, girl!
