At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Alia Bhatt describes herself as a “director’s actor,” saying cinema is a director’s medium to which she fully surrenders. In conversation with Anupama Chopra, she explains how her process shifts with each filmmaker, from intense month-long prep for Udta Punjab to Karan Johar’s more instinctive approach in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Alia Bhatt is amongst the most prominent faces in the Indian film industry. However, when it comes to her craft, she sees herself as a collaborator, who aims to translate the directors’ vision on-screen.
In an exclusive conversation with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Bhatt reflected on the many filmmakers who have shaped her over the years, describing herself as “a director’s actor” whose process changes entirely depending on the person behind the camera.
Alia mentioned how the way directors envision their character leaves an indelible mark on her as a person. “They have left an impact on me through conversation of character. It’s something that I take away — just talking about the character” she noted.
She further explained that she sees cinema as fundamentally belonging to the director, adding, “It’s a director’s medium and I fully surrender to the director.” According to Bhatt, her preparation for a role is entirely dependent on what a filmmaker wants from her. For Udta Punjab, director Abhishek Chaubey wanted her to immerse herself deeply into the character, prompting her to prep for nearly a month. “I prepped for a month with Pankaj Tripathi because it was that kind of a character,” she recalled.
The process, however, differs from filmmaker to filmmaker. While Chaubey emphasised preparation, Karan Johar wanted Bhatt to arrive naturally for her role as Rani in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Bhatt also revealed that instinct plays a major role in how she chooses films. For her, the relationship between an actor and director is central to the filmmaking process, with the off-screen synergy ultimately translating onto the screen. Reflecting on her journey so far, she added that all the directors she has worked with have been deeply nurturing.
Watch the full interview on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel
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