For more than a decade, Alia Bhatt has been hailed as one of the most eclectic actors of Indian cinema. Be it the arrival of Highway to the emotional landscapes of Raazi, the raw intensity of Gangubai Kathiawadi, or the relatability of Dear Zindagi, Alia has boldly ventured into a variety of genres. But if anything is amiss in her filmography, it’s a lighthearted comedy. And now, courtesy of her daughter Raha, that is precisely where Alia’s heart appears to be taking her.
A Mother’s Shift in Perspective
In a recent interview with Grazia, Alia candidly admitted something many fans may not have thought about: she hasn’t yet made a film that her daughter can watch. With Raha still a toddler, most of Alia’s work is either too intense, mature, or emotionally heavy for a child to enjoy. That realization, she confessed, has sparked an interest in venturing into comedy.
“The reason I’m being pulled towards a comedy is that I haven’t done one,” Alia said. “You have to find something that’s inspiring you or pulling you towards it.”
It wasn’t just a passing thought. Alia explained that this desire has been quietly sitting in her mind for a while, and motherhood has only amplified it. “These are little things that come from within,” she shared. “I’ve been putting it out for a while. There is some exciting stuff, nothing I can fully talk about, but let’s just say if I put my heart into it, I will end up going in that direction.”
Why Comedy, Why Now?
For an actor like Alia, whose forte is slipping into layered characters easily, comedy presents a welcome test. It’s not merely a matter of timing and wit but also one of reaching out to audiences in a new way altogether. Most importantly, comedy is a form that families, including kids, can share.
This maternal drive makes the prospect of Alia venturing into comedy all the more touching. Parenthood has a tendency to redirect creative drives, and for Alia, it’s leading to doors of lighter, sunnier stories. After decades of portraying women fighting against adversity, heartbreak, or societal ills, she’s going to make people laugh, including her daughter.
Juggling Career and Motherhood
Ever since Alia gave birth to Raha, she has repeatedly discussed juggling her demanding profession with motherhood. She’s lauded husband Ranbir Kapoor for being a like-minded partner in parenting, enabling them to develop a good balance of work and family life.
What’s sweet is that this equilibrium isn’t about splitting duties but also, at times, about making deliberate career decisions. For Alia, comedy is not merely a foray; it’s a choice made with love and the intention of creating memories her daughter will be able to share with her someday.
What’s on the Horizon
Though comedy might be in her sights, Alia’s current slate is filled with bold projects that highlight her versatility.
First up is Alpha, a high-octane action film directed by Shiv Rawail. Part of YRF’s much-talked-about Spy Universe, Alpha features Alia as a commanding officer leading an elite all-women combat unit. She’ll be seen alongside Sharvari Wagh and Bobby Deol in what promises to be her most physically demanding role yet. Fans are eager to watch her transform into a full-fledged action star for the first time in her career.
Away from the high-energy universe of Alpha, Alia is also entering a whole new territory with Love & War. The film, starring her along with Ranbir Kapoor and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is already one of the most-awaited ventures of Bollywood. With Vicky Kaushal joining the starry lineup, the period romance has fans abuzz with anticipation. Knowing Bhansali’s flair for creating cinematic spectacles and Alia’s track record of delivering powerhouse performances with him, expectations couldn’t be higher.
The Promise of Laughter
Amidst such larger-than-life endeavors, Alia’s subtle suggestions towards doing a comedy have generated interest. Fans can’t help but wait and find out what sort of lighthearted, fun-filled tale she will pick up—a change that comes across as personal as it is thrilling. Is it a quirky rom-com? A family entertainer? Or maybe even something for kids?
Whichever project it is that she’s working on, one thing’s certain: Alia’s gut-instinct decisions have rarely gone wrong. From Raazi to Gangubai, most of her daring career choices evoked raised eyebrows initially, only to go on to become iconic roles later. If her gut says she should try comedy, it could very well be the next signature chapter of her career.
A Personal Yet Universal Journey
What makes this moment in Alia’s life so precious is how intimate it is. For the first time, her choice isn’t about career development, critical success, or box office revenues. It’s about Raha. It’s about a mother hoping her child will sit in a cinema one day and see her on screen and burst out laughing.
In a sense, it’s a reminder of how film is not simply art or commerce; it’s also legacy. For Alia, comedy is an opportunity to leave a legacy of smiles behind that her daughter can treasure always. And for audiences, it’s the promise of watching their beloved star in a completely new avatar, one that could very well recondition her image once again.