In a career spanning over a decade, Alia Bhatt has represented women characters from different parts of India. These women are not only varied but also their social strata.
Rani Chatterjee in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2003) is a Bengali journalist. Alia Bhatt’s Bengali accent wasn’t flawless, but the actress ensured that it didn’t become a distraction
In Gangubai Kathaiawadi (2022), which won Alia a National Award for her performance as Gangubai, the actor’s dialect had a mix of Gujarati and Marathi.
In Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), Alia played a rebellious girl from Rajasthan’s Kota who aspired to be an air hostess. Marriage was the last thing on her agenda.
In Udta Punjab (2016), Alia Bhatt’s character Bauria was that of a Bihari migrant. There is a lengthy monologue where Bauria pours her heart out to Shahid Kapoor’s character.
In 2 States (2014), her very third film, Alia played a Tamilian. She played the character in a more nuanced way and speaking Tamil more naturally which was appreciated by audiences.
Given the speculation that Alia Bhatt would play Roopmati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film, she might soon add another name to her cross-cultural list of characters!