'I'm very strong in the head'

Getting candid

With movies like ‘Highway’ and ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’ to her credit, actor Alia Bhatt is now a household name in Bollywood. She has not only carved a name for herself in the film industry but also made clear the kind of films she wants to be associated with.

Her latest release, ‘Kapoor & Sons’ emphasises the importance of familial relationships, and though Alia isn’t the lead character, she is very happy with her role. In a chat with Ananya Revanna, she talks about the film, the Bhatt family and time travel...

Why did you decide to be a part of the film?

Initially, many people wondered why I chose this film because it doesn’t revolve around me. People assume that at this point in my career I’d pick films that are all about my character, but that’s a big no-no for me. I’d rather be a small part of a really good film than a big part of a bad film. What attracted to me to this film is that it doesn’t belong to one person, it’s universal and relatable.

What was your take-away from the film?

Everyone will take away a different message from the film as each character has a story to tell. What I took from it is that one should be grateful for their loved ones.

You’ve had a fun shoot...

Because it’s an ensemble cast there was a lot of sitting around and waiting (for another person’s shoot to finish). And the weather didn’t always compromise in Coonoor, so we had a lot of free time on our hands. We’d play games throughout. In fact it felt like in between the games, we’d shoot and promote! It was a very interactive set.

Tell us a bit about your character, Tia Singh.

What I love about my character is that she’s complete. Of course, there was room for questioning and I took that as a challenge. When I initially read the script, the character was written in a simple way, but I read in between lines and decided, with the help of Shakun (Batra, the director), to make it richer. Tia is a happy, fun and jovial girl who constantly plays pranks. She has some emotional baggage and that’s what makes her.

Are you anything like Tia?

No, I’m not as jovial, but I think I can be.

Talking about ‘Kapoor & Sons’, what is the Bhatt family like?

A bit crazy, simply put (laughs). Every family is crazy in its own way but I think, we are a bit more than the usual. All of us are very dynamic, different (yet similar) and highly opinionated. And we communicate very passionately.

A philosophy you live by.

My mum told me this for acting — less is more — but I apply it to every aspect of my life. And my father recently quoted Frank Sinatra: ‘The best revenge is massive success’, which is very inspiring.

What are you most passionate about?

My family, work and animals.

Are you a vegetarian?

I am. I recently turned. The only meat I eat is smoked salmon, and I don’t count that.

If you had a time machine...

I’d go back in time.

Would you change anything?

Yes. When I was 8 years old, I used to learn ballet, but I stopped because the commute was tiresome. But if I had learnt it, I’d be a different person now.

Why don’t you continue the classes now?

I tried but I don’t have time.

Have you ever done anything because of peer pressure?

No. Never. I’m very strong in the head. Whatever I’ve done, I’ve wanted to.