Acting is a dream come true: Alia Bhatt

You had a great 2014 with all your films going on to become hits?

Yes, that certainly has given me a lot of confidence and I am in a happy space. It was a really interesting year for me as I got a chance to do some really good films, which were completely different from each other in taste. The first film Highway was a complete new experience for me. It was a very interesting project, which was treated in a completely different style by director Imtiaz Ali. It was a difficult film for me and the entire shooting process was a learning process for me. I got emotionally involved with the character. 2 States was another film, which did good business. I have always been a fan of Chetan Bhagat’s books and the moment I was offered the role I accepted it. My last release last year was Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya was another fun experience. It was a romantic film with elements of comedy and I enjoyed every bit shooting for it.

That was certainly an interesting mix of films.

Yes that’s why I said it was a very interesting and important year for me. Every actor wants to do a variety of films and last year I got a chance to do exactly that.

So, how much has life changed since you decided to take up acting?

I had always wanted to become an actress. I remember, since childhood I used to stand in front of the mirror and tried to imitate different stars. So, when I ventured into acting it was a dream come true for me. But life certainly has changed a lot in the last few years. I am busy travelling, shooting for different films and hardly get time to spend with my family. But given that you come from a family of filmmakers and actors, they must be very supportive and understanding. Of course they are very supportive. They understand the demands of my profession and are happy with what I am doing.

This year you have just one release, Shaandaar.

(Smiles) That’s something, which isn’t in my hands. I have been constantly working for the last couple of years. Shaandaar is a lovely film. It’s a romantic comedy revolving around a wedding and has been extensively shot in the UK. It’s again a very fresh concept and I hope that the film will be liked by all. I have really worked hard in this film and given my best.

You are considered one of the most promising stars today.

I don’t know if I am promising or not but I really work hard. I have always believed that hard work pays. I am very new to this profession and I know I have to prove my worth. If I have to assess myself, I would say I am really very ordinary and I have to really work hard to be something. I am fortunate to have been part of some very interesting projects and I wish I get chance to do many more interesting films.

Do you consult your parents when you take up a new project?

I don’t consult them before signing a film but I do certainly tell them. They are really very happy with the choices I have made and I am making. My father (Mahesh Bhatt) told me, ‘Do what your heart says’ and I follow that. I only do films, which I can connect with. I think that’s what every actor these days does. But I always consult my elder sister who is my support system. When I tell her about the story of a film after reading a script I can make out if she is liking it or not. She is my friend, philosopher and guide. I can make out from her facial expression if she doesn’t like a script.

So, when will you be seen working in one of your father’s projects?

(Smiles again) I really don’t know. So have talked about it and discussed things so many times but it keeps getting pushed back. I am really not sure when’s that going to happen but it will happen some day because we both are very keen on working with each other. It will happen some day.

Finally, are you happy with the way your career has shaped up?

I am really happy. I am doing some very good films and I am grateful to the audience who have showered me with their love. I don’t plan things. If I find a script, which appeals to me, I try and do it. I want to many more good films and I think that is what will make me happier.