‘I’VE TO KEEP TELLING MYSELF THAT I CAN BE WRONG TOO’
She had just one release last year. But in 2018, thanks to an enviable lineup of films with top directors and reigning stars, Alia Bhatt surely has a packed year to look forward to
In 2017, she had just one release, Badrinath Ki Dulhania (BKD) that hit th bull’s eye at the box office but for a major part of the year, Alia Bhatt was neck-de into work as she wrapped up Raazi that will hit the theatre this year. Plus, she has an enviable line-up of films with Ayan Mukerji, Zoya Akhtar and Abhishek Varman costarring actors such as Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Varun Dhawan.
You seem to have an exciting lineup of films next year...
Yes, and it feels great that people have positive expectations from my films and have faith in me. 2018 is a big year for me in many ways. Firstly, I’ve a release again with Raazi. So, I am nervous all over again. And I will be shooting for two-three big and different films almost simultaneously. So, it will be a very important year in terms of testing my ability to withstand everything.
In 2017, you had only one film?
Still, 2017 was a significant year for me because of BKD, which is the most successful commercial hit of my career so far. Also, for half of the year — from May to October, I was engrossed with Raazi. So, I didn’t even realise how the year went by. I have a feeling that 2018 will go by quickly too, thanks to the kind of films that are lined up for me.
You are also going to work with an array of filmmakers this year. In that sense too, are you excited?
Honestly, these are the directors I always wanted to work with. Ayan is my best friend and I have liked his work since Wake Up Sid (2009). Also, Zoya has always been on the top of my wish list of directors. Plus, I have always been vocal about what I feel about Ranbir and Ranveer. Honestly, I have no idea how things are going to flow. But I start the new year by working in January itself and that’s the best way for me to start 2018.
There are a lot of expectations from you at such a young age. Does that ever worry you?
Somewhere it does, but I feel I shouldn’t be aware of such expectations. Otherwise, I’ll start thinking differently. I’ve to constantly tell myself that I can be wrong too, and that I can’t be right all the time. I feel hat I shouldn’t fear making mistakes. Till date, I don’t ave a all the answers; all I have s honesty and a heart. As long as I am following my heart, I don’t have anything to worry about as at the end of the day, I w won’t regret it. Expectations will be there even when you are not doing well. So, you’ve to detach yourself and only focus on the process.
But doesn’t failure scare you?
I believe one thing that every actor or a celebrity fears is failing. And I am sure nobody likes it, especially me because I am a very competitive person (smiles) anyway. But I need to tell myself, ‘the deeper you get into your career, more are the chances of failures’. With success, one may start taking oneself very seriously and certain decisions for granted. So, you may start thinking that you have answers to all the questions in life but that’s never true.
You completed five years in the industry last year. So, do you see things differently now visàvis work, etc.?
I think I have become more disciplined and focused. I don’t know whether it’s because I have lived alone for the past one year but I am happy to be kind of lost in my world. For example, December has barely felt like a holiday season at all. I’ve been sleeping at 8pm and waking up at 6am. I don’t know if it’s a routine but I know that’s how I want my next couple of years to be. I’ve gained that perspective in the past couple of months.