Alia Bhatt returned to the Red Sea International Film Festival for the second time in two years, and the milestone immediately reminded her of how much life has changed since becoming a mother. “The last time I was here, Raha was one and now she is three,” Alia said as reported by The Indian Express, sounding every bit like a mother marking time through her child’s milestones.“Now Raha has her own relationship with the paparazzi, and is old enough to ask me where I am going, and when I will be back,” she added.
‘Authenticity’ is Alia’s keyword
In an hour-long conversation, Alia repeatedly circled back to Raha, and to a word that currently defines her career choices — authenticity. “No one knows how the audience will react, but what they do respond to is authenticity,” she said, explaining that she now seeks that quality in the roles she picks.The actor, who is balancing stardom, motherhood, producing responsibilities, and global brand ambassadorships, described her life as “beautifully chaotic.” Whether it’s Cannes or the Met Gala, Alia said her favourite part of the glamorous whirlwind often comes later — “relaxing with pyjamas and pizza.”
‘In my 20s, I was all over the place’
Looking back at her early years in the industry, Alia said, “When I was young… I’m still young, but when I was in my 20s, I was all over the place, trying to do everything. At 17, 18, I was way more enthusiastic and full of beans, and trying very hard, because that’s normal.”More than a decade later, she still feels the same energy, but with a shift in how she approaches her work. “I’m still enthusiastic and full of beans, but the approach is more silent, it comes with a little more intent,” she explained.A part of her still cherishes the uninhibited girl she once was. “Part of me wants to hold on to the girl at 18 who was brave and fearless, who had no idea of how things would pan out, who had no answers, who would enter a room and give it her all. I think now with success, with failure, with knowing, sometimes you tend to become a little more tentative.”
‘I want to stay curious’
Alia said her only constant is the desire to evolve, “No matter what will happen in the future, I would like to stay curious, because that’s the only way to grow.” When asked whether she feels the pressure of representing India on the global stage, Alia clarified that the feeling is different — it’s pride, not weight. “It’s more a sense of pride, of being Indian,” she said. Go to Source
