It’s not easy being a star in your early 20s. It’s not something everyone can handle. It’s really not an age thing, it has more to do with one’s personality. Or perhaps genes. Which is why Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter Alia Bhatt comes across as a grounded person. She is at a stage in her career where every actor wants to work with her, brands are chasing her to endorse their products as she has a huge connect with the youth and most filmmakers are impressed with her range of acting. Above all she is versatile, from a film with Randeep Hooda to SRK, she has it all. Here, she talks about everything on her mind right now...
Ever feel that you are growing up far too quickly?
I do feel that sometimes, but then I also have a huge childlike side to me, which will always be there. I am also an old soul… (says matter-of-factly)
Do you get time to do all the things that you want to do?
Not entirely. Like I miss things like walking on the road or going to many places that I would go to earlier.. like a restaurant. My favourite restaurants have changed and my fav haunts have become more high-end now… Those particular addas I used to go to, I can’t now… I can’t go and sit in a coffee shop as it gets crazy! But then it’s not like that I have a problem with it. I love my life and have no complaints whatsoever!
When was the last time you went to a theatre to see a film?
It’s been forever since I went to a theatre. And I want to go! I love going to theatres and watching films. Like so many new films have released, which I am dying to see at the theatre. It’s been a while. I may have mild Attention Deficit Disorder, but otherwise I am quite focused.
One thing about your job that you dislike?
I can’t be as honest as I want to be. Sometimes you want to say things, but you can’t say them? I am forthright like that, but then, I also try to be a little correct about what I say. Many times, a lot of sentiment is involved. I am someone whose opinions change from time to time. Like one journalist told me the last time I told her I worry about the fat on my toe! I am like ‘Oh God! That’s so not me right now.’ I am worried about other things now. Like for me, now, it’s about how internally fit I am, or how my skin is looking or how my hair feels, what my energy level is at the end of the day, how I feel getting up early in the morning. I like waking up at 7 am today and sleeping at 10.30 pm. I have always been an early riser, but it’s a routine I want to follow.
Besides your own film, one film you are really looking forward to?
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. I am a big Sooraj Barjatya fan! I have watched all his films and love them. I loved the PRDP trailer. I love the way he makes his films...
I can’t see you as a Sooraj Barjatya heroine. They are…
(Interrupts) Elegant?
Traditional.
I don’t come across as traditional? I’m sure once Sooraj puts me there, I can be or do anything. I think that’s the definition of an actor — he/she should be able to act like this or that, you are not a person doing that scene, but an actor.
If there’s one thing about yourself you could change, what would that be?
I think I should learn to be more graceful (grins). That’s something I need to become before I do a Sooraj Barjatya film. I need to get grace in my body language. I am working on that through my pilates.
A Hollywood actress you admire?
Jennifer Lawrence. Because of her unique and raw personality and because she’s a fantastic actress.
You’re shifting to a new house...
I haven’t shifted yet. I will be staying with my sister so I won’t be absolutely alone. I am apprehensive because I have to look after everything in my house — from maintenance to repairs and furniture. I have to pay my bills! You don’t think of all these things when you are doing up your own doll’s house! There’s so much more than just going into a new house. It’s a big step for me.
Do you know how to cook?
No at all. Don’t stress me out! (laughs) But I can learn how to cook. I know how to make a good sandwich and a dip, though.
