Entertainment

I dont think much

by Trans World Features (TWF) 21 Apr 2014, 07:32 am

Two films old Alia Bhatt has shown that she knows to make the right choices when it comes to picking up a role. The latest in her kitty is 2 States where the Highway girl plays a Tamil Brahmin. TWF correspondent Sreya Basu in conversation with the actress in Mumbai

Is it true that you initially thought you are too young for 2 States?

That is way back in 2012 (Laughs). I remember reading 2 States by Chetan Bhagat while I was shooting for Student of the Year. That time I didn’t know that it is going to be made into a film. I do remember talking to Abhishek (Varman, director) about it casually. But that time I was so young that I could not even think that I would be able to do that kind of a film. However, while reading the book, I felt that the girl is really cool and I had a feeling that if we could see her, she would be really pretty.

How was it working on the film?

It has been such a learning experience for me to work on this film, playing a Tamilian. I had a lot of fun speaking Tamil and working with Arjun Kapoor.

What was the most difficult part of playing your character in 2 States?

As you know, Ananya Swaminathan is a Tamil girl in her early twenties. She is a well-educated, well-cultured girl. But still, she is a modern day girl. She is a strong woman, yet very sensitive towards her family. I remember, for every scene, Abhishek used to tell me: “Keep the energy alive”. And by ‘energy’ he did not mean I have to shout and jump around, but her inner energy that creates a positive vibe and makes people want to talk to her. That was difficult.

After two releases and one about-to-release film, is the nervousness of a newcomer still there?

The nervousness is no longer there as such. I think, as an actor, with each film you learn more. And I am learning.

What do you have in mind while selecting a script?

I don’t think that much. It doesn’t work for me when I overthink or think. I just go with my gut feeling.

But you have shown with your three films that you want to pick up ‘different’ roles. 

Yes, I would like to keep experimenting with my roles. I want to entertain the audience. And now-a-days, the audience gets easily bored watching the same things again and again.

As an actor do you like improvising?

I am completely a director’s actor. I completely follow my director’s vision. But at times it does happen that when you play a character, you tend to follow character instincts.

Do you think both your characters in Highway and 2 States are matured than your actual age?

Well, age is just a number for me. Also I would like to give the credit to my family who are very matured in terms of their thinking. When I am with them, I feel as if I am five years older than my actual age. I have been brought up that way. So whether it is the journey of Highway or 2 States, I approach them from a different perspective. As it is, it is always said that a woman is much more matured than a man at any given point of time.

What will be your next film?

My next release will be Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. It will hit the theatres in July. I have Varun Dhawan opposite me.