Mahesh Bhatt calls daughter Alia Bhatt ‘a mannequin’ in Student Of The Year; says he was devastated by Udta Punjab

In a recent interview with India Today, Mahesh Bhatt discussed his daughter Alia Bhatt’s remarkable journey and maturation as an actor. He shared his admiration for her growth, emphasizing performances that stood out to him. Notably, her debut film, Student of the Year, directed by Karan Johar and released in 2012, did not make his list of favorites.Mahesh Bhatt commended Alia’s work in Highway and Udta Punjab, highlighting the depth and authenticity she brought to her roles.

Mahesh Bhatt praises Alia Bhatt’s performance in Udta Punjab and Highway

Reflecting on Udta Punjab, he expressed amazement at how Alia, who grew up in the urban setting of Juhu, mastered an adivasi accent for her role. “I must say that I was devastated by Udta Punjab. I didn’t understand when did this girl, this Juhu girl exposed to our home, where we live like a normal family… How did this Juhu girl get the accent right of an Adivasi from Chhattisgarh. It was amazing. I was astounded by that.”

He contrasted these performances with her debut in Student of the Year, where he felt she had not yet reached her full potential. “Her raw power, and her ability to get into such a vulnerable space, and bare her heart. Highway and Udta Punjab… It was a departure from that girl who was just a mannequin in Student of the Year. You see the evolution in your child also,” he remarked.

Student of the Year also launched the careers of Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. Since then, Alia has delivered notable performances in films like 2 States, Gully Boy, Kapoor and Sons, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Kalank. She has also made her Hollywood debut alongside Gal Gadot in Heart of Stone. Alia collaborated with her father in Sadak 2, co-starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanjay Dutt, though the film did not fare well.

Alia on professional front

Looking ahead, Alia will be seen in Vasan Bala’s Jigra and a YRF spy universe movie titled Alpha. Mahesh Bhatt’s reflections underscore Alia’s impressive journey from a debutante to a versatile and powerful performer.

Also Read: Sharvari feels ‘like a ball of energy’ as she joins Alia Bhatt for YRF spy universe Alpha; says, “It’s a dream come true moment”