“Highway Changed Me”: Alia Bhatt on Growth, Competition, and Following Her Instincts

We caught up with Alia Bhatt at the promotions of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania — a breezy romantic comedy that reimagines Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge for a new generation. In a brief but candid conversation, she talked about her whirlwind journey in Bollywood, her easy chemistry with Varun Dhawan, a director she’s keen to work with, and what truly drives her when the cameras stop rolling.

Student of the Year. Highway. 2 States. Three films, three hits — how has the journey been so far?

This is where I had always dreamt to be, as far back as my memory takes me. It also runs in the family. My father, his father, my mother, sister are all part of the industry. I guess that too influences your choices. But I didn’t want to be here just because my parents or their parents had been here. Deep inside, I knew this is where I eventually belonged. All this doesn’t take away from the fact that I have worked hard to be here. As far as films are concerned, I don’t want to pick the usual, run-of-the-mill scripts. I try choose something that entertains the audience while being meaningful.

Do you remember your earliest memory of going to the movies as a child?

I vividly remember that time when I was watching a Govinda song on our small silver TV. I don’t quite remember how old I was. But I was completely in awe of what was going on in front of me. Govinda and Karishma Kapoor dancing away without a care, in the middle of a road, and then in the garden, and then in the bedroom! I was scratching my head away figuring what the hell was going on here. How were they changing out clothes this fast? Why wasn’t anyone stopping them from dancing in the middle of a road. I was confused and smitten! That’s also when I knew I wanted to be there. On that screen! That’s one incident I vividly recall. Ever since, my love for films and Bollywood has deepened.

There was also this time when I had chopped my hair short, because Kajol flaunted short hair in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

You’ve already worked with Varun in Student of the Year. How was it teaming up with him again? What’s your off-screen equation like? Any fun memories from the sets of Humpty…?

Before we became somebody or before we became ‘actress’ Ali Bhatt or ‘actor’ Varun Dhawan – we were friends. I have known him that long. And we were always in touch. So what I share with Varun is very special. Our bond, in fact, deepened after the film, having spent so much time together. The film also got us closer, because somewhere we believed in our characters and the story. The bitter sweet relationship that the two characters share in the film is pretty much what Varun and me share in real life.

There was a scene we were filming outside DU (Delhi University), where we had to eat ‘kulche chole.’ It was meant to be for ‘Samjhawan.’ After sometime, I totally forgot it was being recorded. I was so busy binging. We had a great time shooting there. It came out quite natural, because we all were actually having a good time.

How do you deal with criticism and competition in an industry that thrives on comparisons?

I take criticism as gracefully as I take appreciation or praise. Negative feedback, even if untrue, only pushes you out of your comfort zone. It drives you to get out there and prove your opponents and detractors wrong. And being able to do that is so satisfying.

Where’s the fun without competition? My biggest competition is with the last film I’ve done. If it is a hit, I want to work towards making my next film an even bigger hit. If not, it better be, at least, as good as the first. I also take inspiration from other people’s good work. It motivates me to get out there and do the same or even better.

Who do you turn to for guidance or advice when it comes to work?

I am mostly my own boss when it’s about selecting films. I take instinctive decisions. But if I do feel the need to talk to someone, Karan Johar is my go-to guy.

The one filmmaker Alia Bhatt wishes to work with?

Ayan Mukherjee.

Too early to ask, perhaps — but which film has been the most special experience for you so far?

It’s difficult to answer that. Every film lets you live a different experience. They all have something to give you or teach you. But some films also change you along the way, as a person. Highway was the beginning of that process for me. Highway, in fact, has been my biggest changeover both as an actor and as individual. I hold all three of my films very close to my heart but Highway is exceptionally special.

The interview was conducted a day before the release of Humpty Sharma ki Dulhaniya.