“I am a complete drama queen” – Alia Bhatt

By Subhash K. Jha -

January 5, 2015 - 5:13 AM IST

What a year Alia Bhatt has had! Beginning with a sterling performance in Highway, she scored box office success with 2 States and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya in 2014. Right after a busy year, 2015 will be a stress-buster for the young star as she has shot only for one film as of now. Talking about her experience for shooting for Shandaar, Alia also reveals about her expectations, the experience of handling too many films in one year and more in this candid chat.

Are you looking forward to the awards for Highway this year?

Of course, I want the awards. I don't know if I am going to get them. But honestly, I feel I've had a really blessed year. Recently, I was at an event in the college. And they were dancing to my song. That brought tears to my eyes. That was my biggest high.

“I am a complete drama queen” – Alia Bhatt

So much happening to your career so suddenly! Was it too much to handle?

My fear is not that. My fear is what if it all goes away? What if one day I am not busy at all? I like this feeling of being constantly busy. I don't want to ever get up with the feeling that I've nothing to look forward to. I like the rush of adrenaline that I feel every day. It isn't as if I don't get time to spend with my family and friends. It's just been two years for me in the film industry. I am enjoying myself. I should be doing more, not less.

Tell about your films in 2015?

I've shot for just one film this year. So, I'll have just one release next year. And I am okay with that. It just happened that way.

Do you enjoy traveling for shooting?

I am an inquisitive and excited traveler, so... I do like to take time off to travel independent of work. And I will take time off to take a holiday every year. That's a promise I made to myself. And visit a place I've not seen. The experiences that you create for yourself help you to grow as a person. I need those experiences to feed on. I am happy working hard and taking an annual holiday. And of course, my mom joins me for my shootings whenever she can.

Did your mom join you for the shooting of Shandaar in Europe?

She was supposed to. But there was a change in my schedule and she couldn't join me. Now she'll get busy directing a film. So, she'll have no time for me.

Your mom is directing a film with other actors. Does that make you jealous?

Why should it make me jealous? I am just so excited that she is directing a film again. This film (Love Affair) has no role suitable for me. I wouldn't like to be in it just for the heck of it. In our family, it doesn't work that way. I still haven't worked with my father's production house.

In 2014, you did a short film with Vikas Bahl about the issue of women's safety. Has being an actor made you more conscious of these issues?

Oh, most definitely. I am constantly hanging around with people who talk about these issues. My knowledge may be limited. But there is a hunger to discover more about life. I've inherited this hunger from my family. If I am a curious soul, the credit goes to my parents and my sister Shaheen.

Are you, by nature, a happy person?

I've a fear of being happy. Because, I fear grief is around the corner. I am Piscean. And I am a complete drama queen.

Do you get stifled by the constant attention?

No. When people stop looking at me is when I get really worried.