Didn’t throw a party to introduce Sidharth to anybody: Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt talks about the success of her latest release, her personal life, and more.
A couple of weeks back, Alia Bhatt (above) came back from a “much-needed” vacation to London, and immediately got to work. As she gets ready to leave for a US tour, the 23-year-old talks about the success of her latest release, her personal life, and more.
How was your vacation?
It was great. I needed to go away. But I feel I went away for too long because I am not used to taking such long breaks, since I am always working. The highlight of my trip was attending Coldplay and Beyonce’s concerts. I have never been so excited.
You must be on a high post the success of Udta Punjab.
Of course, it is a lovely feeling. I was happy when people said good things about my performance. But I don’t want to get too happy. I worked my a** off. So, it is nice to be appreciated. But what I am glad about is that the film has got its due. The movie has to make a certain amount of money, so that the producers are happy too. My main concern was that the youth, who we wanted to reach out to, should get the message. I think it worked out well.
When you are applauded for your performances, does that put more pressure on you?
Yes, the world showers you with praise, but then also retracts all of it to leave you feeling powerless. That’s why I know that there will be praise, but there also may not be praise. I just have to do what my heart wants. If I start thinking, “Agar main yeh performance doongi toh log mujhe appreciate nahi karenge (if I deliver this performance, then people won’t appreciate me),” then there will be no fun left in the job. I also have to keep telling myself that I want to do films that are not just about the performances, but are also about glamour and fun, because that’s what I grew up on. That’s like Bollywood’s sacred and safe diet (laughs).
As long as I am constantly entertaining people, and its (her film choices) coming from my heart, I am safe. The minute it comes from my head, it would become a problem. If I start thinking too much about it, it’ll become boring.
There were reports that you threw a party to formally introduce Sidharth Malhotra as your boyfriend to your friends…
That’s absolute c**p. Who would throw a party to introduce anyone? He isn’t a new person who has just shifted from the UK to Mumbai that I have to introduce him to anybody. Everyone knows who he is.
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So, there’s no truth to this?
Even if he was [my boyfriend], and if I had a boyfriend, I would never throw a party to introduce him. I would just say it normally. He isn’t some new acquisition that I need to show off. Plus, I have never thrown parties in my life, as I am not good at it.
You have always been open about your equation with Sidharth Malhotra...
Sometimes, as an actor, you travel to so many countries that you lose touch with people. If two people don’t talk to one another for a while, it is assumed that they have broken up. I have always taken the liberty to say that Sidharth will be an important part of my life because I am aware of that fact. Apart from that, I have never been secretive about my fondness for him. The minute I change my fondness level, media can start asking me questions. But as long as it is at the same level, I guess we can be happy (laughs). Things change every second, every day. Our equations will also keep changing and getting better.
Read: I am not insecure, but I am vulnerable: Alia Bhatt
You are 23, and you have already done several successful films. Does all this ever get challenging for you?
In my head, I am 32. Mentally, I feel like I am an older person. I also use my age as per my convenience. When I want to be childish, I say, “But I am so young.” Sometimes, I look at myself from a third person’s point of view, and think, “Alia, you are a child.” But, in reality, I behave like a much older person. When I am hanging out with Karan Johar (director), I feel like a child. When I am at home, I act more like a grandmother to my mother and father (smiles).
Watch: Alia Bhatt in a song from Student Of The Year
You are working on two very different films at the moment. How easy or difficult is it for you to handle different roles?
It is surely difficult. I was shooting for Gauri Shinde’s (director) film, and then I went on to work on Badrinath Ki Dulhania — they were two completely different worlds. When you are used to a certain tone of acting, and then you move on to another film, you realise the films are so diverse. It takes some time and an aware mind to switch between two kinds of films. That is why I wanted to take a break. It was so exhausting that I wasn’t able to think correctly and differentiate. I had the same problem when I was shooting for 2 States (2014) and Highway (2014). But now, I have learnt the trick (smiles).
Your personal life often makes headlines. Does this constant attention ever bother you?
People have been talking about my ‘fake break-up’. But there was no issue ever. There was no break-up or patch-up. I have always maintained that Sidharth (Malhotra; actor) is always going to be an important part of my life. My equation with Sidharth is good. Earlier, I thought it (their equation) was okay, but now it is good (smiles).
Are you doing Aashiqui’s next instalment?
It is in the scripting stage at the moment. My sister (Shaheen Bhatt) is writing it. Mohit Suri (director) has been shooting the film adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s Half Girlfriend, so he has been busy with that. The latest information I have is that, soon, they will all sit together and take it forward. We have only heard the idea so far. I can’t sign the film yet, as I can say yes only to a bound script. That’s how I take things forward, especially when it comes to a film that is expected to do even better than the first two parts. It has to meet certain standards.
Read: Sidharth is so gorgeous, I can get lost in his eyes: Alia Bhatt
Have you moved into a new home?
Not yet. Some finishing touches and interior decoration work is still on, so it (moving in) will take a little time.
Are you doing Rohit Shetty’s next?
I have not received an offer. I would love to work with him though.
So, it can happen?
It will be great if things work out, but as of now there is nothing.
Are you doing director Abhishek Varman’s next?
I haven’t received an offer for that either. I know it is being put together right now, but neither has any birdie come and chirped in my ear, nor has anybody been loud and clear about it (laughs).
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