Alia Bhatt has proven her acting prowess by playing a variety of characters in her illustrious career in Bollywood. Her stellar performances in films over the years have proved this, be it Veera from Highway, Bauria from Udta Punjab or Gangubai from Gangubai Kathiawadi. Her career began in 2012 with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year and progressed with commercial entertainers like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Highway, 2 States, etc. Jigra star Alia Bhatt recently recalled the impact Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had on her and revealed that she understands ‘Aishwarya’s expressions’ by watching her songs.
In a chat with Allure for the Favorite Things of All Time episode, Alia Bhatt was asked about her favourite things from Indian cinema. After Shah Rukh Khan, Alia named Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who has left a deep impact on her.
The Jigra actress said that she had started understanding Indian films in the last few years with music, songs and dance in them. The actress called it a “huge part of the festive factor” in films.
Alia said, “When it comes to learning or getting inspired from someone who has performed dance in the most beautiful way on screen, I can’t stop myself from thinking of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She was and still is absolutely mesmerising.”
The 31-year-old actress credited the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil star for instilling direction and wisdom in her mind. The Alpha star recalled that she follows the former beauty queen’s acting chops in her films.
Alia revealed that whenever she had to perform a song in her film, she would watch Aishwarya’s songs to “understand her expressions.” The Love and War actress would also observe the Devdas star’s graceful moves and her mannerisms throughout the song.
Alia praised the 50-year-old actress, saying her acting is absolutely “perfect and on point” and added that she looks beautiful too.
Earlier, in March this year, Alia Bhatt attended a Forbes event where she was asked about her experience working in Hollywood after making her debut in Gal Gadot’s Heart of Stone. Alia praised Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, saying they are a “huge source of inspiration” for her.
The Heart of Stone actress said that she admires Aishwarya, Deepika and Priyanka a lot. Alia also praised these actresses for paving the way for her in Hollywood. In other words, she considered working in the Hollywood industry to be normal.
For those who don’t know, before Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the first choice to play Veera in Imtiaz Ali’s 2014 film Highway. In an interview with Midday, director Imtiaz revealed that he initially saw Veera as a mature woman, however, he changed his mind after meeting Alia. The filmmaker admitted that Aishwarya Rai would be a great choice without makeup. Imtiaz said that he had not approached Aishwarya for the role.
Talking about work, Alia Bhatt’s film Zigara is about to release. This upcoming film directed by Vasan Bala also stars The Archies fame Vedang Raina. Alia also has Yash Raj Films’ spy thriller Alpha, which stars Sharvari alongside her. Apart from these films, the actress will also be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in the lead roles. The film will go on floors next month and is scheduled to release on March 20, 2026.
Also read: Alia Bhatt calls Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra-Deepika Padukone her ‘inspirations’; also talks about her work in Hollywood