Mahesh Bhatt is all set to take on the “most challenging role” of his life, as he’s going to be a grandfather soon. Overwhelmed with the news of his daughter, actor Alia Bhatt, and son-in-law, actor Ranbir Kapoor’s pregnancy, the filmmaker says the kid will come with “extraordinary” genes. “This is the most challenging role, which life is asking me to play. It is a magical moment for the whole family. Alia has been a magical child since the beginning. She has amazed me with her extraordinary talent. And, her marriage with Ranbir was [another] great [moment in our lives]. I love the boy,” Mahesh tells us.

The filmmaker is certain that his grandchild will be as amazing as its parents. He adds, “There has never been a child like the one that is coming and there will never be a child [like that]. Every child is unique. It (the baby) is going to be a universe in itself.”

Ever since the news of the pregnancy surfaced, the filmmaker has been flooded with messages stating that he will be “the coolest granddaddy on this planet”. Talking about Alia and Ranbir entering the new phase of their life, the filmmaker says that nothing can prepare the parents-to-be for the “magical ride” to parenthood, which comes with its share of bumps and joys. “They will have to grope, fumble and stumble and find their own ways to deal with the kid. Because this is real life, not reel life. When real life steps into your organised life, it brings its magic, wilderness and challenges. A new story is going to emerge with the arrival of this child. The baby is sure to have extraordinary genes of Alia and Ranbir,” he says.

Ask if he is ready with the book of wisdom to give to the couple as a father and the 73-year-old adds that they will have to experience and learn on their own. “I’ve never been someone who’d give advice to my children. The child (Alia and Ranbir’s unborn) will teach several lessons to the parents,” he explains.

After dating for many years, Alia and Ranbir got married in April 2022 at Ranbir’s Mumbai home, Vastu, in the presence of their close friends and family members.