I STILL FEEL LIKE A CHILD: ALIA BHATT

The actor, who rings in her 25th birthday today in Bulgaria, says ‘age is just a number’

What is it like to be an A-list actor in one of the world’s biggest film industries as you turn 25? Well, “busy” would be the best word to describe Alia Bhatt’s life right now.

The actor has had a choc-abloc schedule for almost a year now. After wrapping up Raazi, she worked on Gully Boy, and is now ensconced in “freezing” Bulgaria for over a month to shoot for Brahmastra.

The busy Alia is set to ring in her 25th birthday today, on Ayan Mukerji’s film set. For the actor, “birthdays are like just any other day”. She adds, “Honestly, the only reason I like birthdays is because they are a reason to eat cake. I feel birthdays and New Years are super overrated.”

You turn 25 today, which is a landmark age...

Everyone tells me, ‘25 is an important age and 25-30 are important years’, but I don’t know what to feel. I am excited, because I can say that I am now in my mid-20s, and a little bit older (laughs). If I am working on my birthdays, I don’t pay much attention to it. I’m happy that I’m working this year, because, I feel, if you celebrate on a set, then the coming year is all about work and it goes well, too.

Do you feel more mature now?

I feel, ‘age is just a number’, and I believe that. Your experiences make you mature. But honestly, I still feel like a child. It terms of maturity, I feel I have more responsibilities, because I live alone now. That has been a big change in my life. I guess the people around me, such as my father or mother, would be able to say whether I have matured or not.

Any special plans to celebrate?

Our shoot has been very hectic, so, the cast and crew have been shooting non-stop. But Ayan is excited about my birthday. I guess he has been planning something like a cute little dinner. I’ve told him there is no pressure whatsoever to celebrate. All I want is a big cake, as I’ve been dieting like crazy. I won’t finish it by myself, but will eat at least three pieces through the day (laughs).

You have Raazi coming up, which will be your first release after more than a year. What are your thoughts?

I’m excited, especially because a new film of mine is releasing after so long. I feel rejuvenated all over again. But with every film, there’s excitement and nervousness. I’m also excited about Raazi, as it’s the first time that I’ve attempted to play a real-life character. The genre and space are also new for me. I’m trying to plan something fun, like putting out something [about the film] on my birthday and see people’s reactions. It has been so long, that I just want to get it out.

Does this feel like a dream run in your career, as many call it?

I don’t know if it’s a ‘dream run’, but any kind of run is difficult. When you go for a run, you ought to maintain a certain pace so you don’t get tired or burn out. The idea is to outlast the race, right? You are also aware of what you are capable of, but at the same time, you have to challenge yourself, too. It has definitely been a very interesting journey, but I need to challenge myself constantly and keep trying. I also want to have fun, so there is no point in overthinking it.

You’re working on multiple films — Raazi, Gully Boy, Brahmastra and Shiddat. How do you manage it?

I don’t know; I guess I am going mad. Every time someone talks about dates and all, they are like, ‘Alia, you aren’t breathing this year’. And I am like, ‘Yeah, maybe next year’ (laughs). But I am so grateful for everything. It feels good, but, at the same time, I am nervous. I hope I am able to give my 100% to each and every character. I have to keep my head on my shoulders, put my blinkers on and work hard every day.

PHOTO: AALOK SONI/HT Alia will next be seen in Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi