Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 6, 2018)

It’s an age when talking about cat-fights between actresses on movie sets or off it, is passé. Exes in the movie industry comfortably come together to work in a film, putting their personal differences aside. So, seeing Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif pose together at Shah Rukh Khan’s grand Diwali bash recently, was heart-warming. Those unaware, Alia and Katrina’s friendship, that also comprised gym camaraderie and Instagram banter, allegedly took a break of sorts as Alia grew closer to her Brahmastra co-star Ranbir Kapoor, who happens to be Katrina’s ex. While speculations were rife about an alleged awkwardness between the two over Ranbir, who is currently dating Alia, the actresses proved otherwise at SRK’s bash silencing the naysayers. We hear, all eyes were on the ladies at the bash and much to everyone’s surprise, they greeted each other and even posed for a picture. While it’s hard to tell if it was simply social etiquette, but they seemed at ease with each other. A source revealed, “They were cordial. Are they good friends like they used to be? Not really.”

A few months ago, their dwindling social media interaction (the two would actively interact with each on social media) hinted that, not everything was fine between the two, but Alia denied the rumours about the alleged tension. At a press interaction, when asked about her equation with Katrina, she had said, “I don’t check my Instagram likes. So, I don’t know why people are checking that? But I have to admit, I have always been very fond of Katrina. I believe that it’s the same both ways, according to us. So, I don’t know why other people feel differently? But now, I will send her a message to start liking my pictures, because if that’s the barometer of friendship then we must start liking everyone’s picture. Or maybe, I don’t have good pictures! I will post good pictures and then maybe she will like it. But with her, I have no stress whatsoever.”