Having completed 13 years in the film industry, Alia Bhatt finds herself at a point defined less by speed and more by intention – also shaped by her journey into motherhood. Looking back, the actress says her relationship with work remains instinct-led. “I don’t really look at my career in phases or milestones. The way I chose films earlier is the same way I choose them now – by trying to do different things, setting myself up for new challenges and constantly putting myself outside my comfort zone,” she tells us.

Meanwhile, life has expanded beyond the set, and what has evolved is the pace. “Of course, the volume and the speed at which I work now are different because I have a child. But it’s a comfortable pace, and I’m happy with it. I like doing one film at a time and giving it all my energy. Earlier, I would do two or three films simultaneously, but I don’t want to do that anymore,” she says.

Alia’s connection with cinema remains deeply emotional. “Movies make me happy. I’m finding ways to stay connected to that magic in different ways now, not just as an actor. I’m also producing content. We’re developing projects that will go on the floor next year, and I’m creatively involved in that process because I consider myself a creative producer,” she says, adding, “When it comes to my career, I’ve always gone by my instinct and gut.”

Her next release, Alpha, marks a shift into the action genre. “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – I don’t consider Heart Of Stone an action film for me. It was an action world, but my character wasn’t action-oriented in that sense. With Alpha, the opportunity to actually do action is something I’m supremely excited about,” she clarifies.

Doing the film post motherhood added a new dimension to the experience. “Doing action after having a baby was very interesting because it allowed me to see what my body is capable of. It was such a learning experience, and it gave me a lot of respect for my body,” she adds.

Unfazed by the unpredictability of outcomes, Alia says she doesn’t dwell on success or failure. “Success and failure are not in your hands. What is in your hands is learning, growing and finding a process that nurtures you as an artiste and as a person. Filmmaking is never about one individual. It’s an entire crew coming together to work towards one shared vision,” she concludes.

Alia’s next two films are among the most anticipated. First up is Love & War, which sees her reunite with Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “It’s a very special film. We’ve been shooting it through the year, and it never feels like enough. You always want one more day, one more moment, one more scene where you’re just jamming the energy,” she says.

Working with Bhansali continues to be one of her most cherished creative collaborations. She adds, “Working with Sanjay sir is one of my most treasured experiences because of the way he brings his magic to every single moment. But it’s also deeply collaborative. The energy on set is very quiet and focused. We come in, we work hard and everyone brings something different to the table. Of course, the final magic wand is always in Sanjay sir’s hands. It is one of the most fulfilling creative experiences I’ve had on a film set.”

Reflecting on Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia says the film reshaped how she approaches performance. “What I learned on the Gangubai set was to walk in every day with a blank slate and a blank mind. That element of surprise is something Sanjay sir thrives on, and it teaches you to surrender completely to the process.”

Alia Bhatt opened up about how she deals with anxiety during an ask-me-anything session on Instagram. She said, “We all have certain things that might trigger our anxiety – for example, I find myself getting very worked up with any sudden change or a situation I have no control over, but it took me a long while to understand that. So, prior to any of these moments, I just try and be aware of it, and if it’s too much, I allow myself to check out and feel the way I feel.”

She added, “Trying to control how you feel sometimes does more harm than good. Also, speak to someone you can trust! It helps!”

Talking about how life is treating her at the moment, she shared, “I’ve been a bit overwhelmed and preoccupied… but (there’s) gratitude in my heart genuinely on a daily basis.” About what she would advise her younger self, she said, “Listen more. Speak less.”

Alia got back to work soon after welcoming her baby girl, Raha. When asked whether she still battles separation anxiety when she has to leave her daughter at home, Alia said, “It’s never easy leaving her. But I guess that’ll take a while to change. Knowing that she’s with family even when I’m away makes me feel less guilty somehow.”

Alia also revealed that her pet names for her daughter are, “Rahu, Rara and Lollipop (to name a few).”

Alia Bhatt dons many hats. While she hasn’t explored her musical skills fully yet, she has sung songs for her films like Highway and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. However, the actress, who recently left the audience impressed with her performance in Darlings, is now tapping into her musical skills for her daughter Raha.

During a conversation with BT, the doting mom revealed how she sings lullabies with a twist for the li’l one. “I was telling my sister (Shaheen Bhatt) that God gave me a good voice so that I could sing to my daughter. I listen to different lullabies and make impromptu songs if I need to distract Raha.”

She added, “I create random songs and discover new tunes to the extent that I need to start recording these tunes! I think I could possibly become a music composer at this rate (laughs). I say this with utmost humility as I can’t compose songs, but it’s all coming to me naturally. You will see me breaking into innovative songs. It’s a revelation… what a mother can do to entertain her child.”

On the work front, the actress recently returned to the set of her upcoming film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. She shot for the movie in Kashmir, and she took her daughter along with her for the shoot. Alia also has Farhan Akhtar’s Jee Le Zaraa, which will go on floors this year.

The excitement among #Ralia fans to get a glimpse of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s daughter, Raha, is only understandable. However, the new parents aren’t ready to reveal their baby’s face just yet. The actor-couple, along with Ranbir’s mother, actor Neetu Kapoor, held an informal meeting with the paparazzi on Saturday and requested them to follow a ‘no photo policy’ for the little one.

“Alia and Ranbir told the photographers, ‘We understand this is your profession and we all need you as much as you need us, but we request you to please not click Raha till she turns two’. Neetu ji also said it’s the parents’ decision, so we should respect it,” a pap present at the meeting tells us, adding that the couple assured that they would eventually introduce their daughter to the world.

In the past, cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma had requested paps to not click their daughter Vamika’s pictures. Even when her photos from a cricket stadium were shared on social media, Anushka requested media houses not to carry them.

Now, we’ve learnt that Alia, too, has made a similar request. She told the paps: “By chance, if Raha comes in any frame, please use a heart emoji, vada pav or bhajiya, but don’t reveal her face.”

To this, Ranbir added, “Even in cars, when you zoom in and if at all you click her, please don’t circulate those photos, till she grows up. I won’t object if you want to click our couple pictures.”

During the meeting, Ranbir showed paps photos of Raha on his phone. Lauding the gesture, a photographer says, “It was really nice of Ranbir to give his phone to us. We saw four-five pics of Raha. He mentioned this was the first time he was showing these pictures to someone outside the family.”

Alia also mentioned that she and Ranbir avoid sharing Raha’s snaps on WhatsApp, fearing they’d get leaked. She even said the paps present for the meeting were the first ones to see the baby’s pictures.

After a year of some surprising highs and lows, the film industry is stepping into the New Year with hope and promise. However, the year gone by gave a few Bollywood actors a reason to rejoice and celebrate. Alia Bhatt is one actor who owned and conquered 2022. Having proved her mettle as an artiste many times over, 2022 was an extremely special year for Alia for more reasons than one. In a year that saw the mighty fail, Alia set the screen on fire with her feisty portrayal of Gangubai Kathiawadi. And she was only getting started. Next, she was seen in S S Rajamouli’s RRR, which went on to become a mega box-office suceess, and followed it up with Ayan Mukerji’s ambitious Brahmastra and her first production, the highly acclaimed OTT movie, Darlings.

The year also saw her marrying her boyfriend and Hindi cinema’s acting powerhouse Ranbir Kapoor. The two were blessed with a baby girl (Raha). In her first exclusive interview after becoming a mother, Alia opens up on the best year of her life, what lies ahead, marriage, motherhood and more. Read on...

Professionally and personally, the year began on a high note for me. Nothing was a lot to handle, although every stage was surreal. The way 2022 unfolded for me, it felt like a movie. Be it Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR or Brahmastra, there was a kind of build-up of many years and anticipation coming together, given my association with Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir, Rajamouli sir, my first film production Darlings and of course, Brahmastra, which was in the making for many years. Lots of hopes were attached to the year and whenever there’s hope, there’s room for heartbreak. If things don’t go right, your heart can crumble into pieces and you can’t prepare yourself for it. You can do everything as an actor, but eventually, it’s in the hands of the audience. For each film of mine to not only be appreciated but also generate a conversation, it’s a big moment of gratitude for me. At every point last year, I couldn’t believe that things were going so well! How nicely the tick marks were coming on my report card. At the end of the day, an actor’s career is a report card. You have to score good marks, and if you don’t, you feel bad, and you have to work harder.

There is no right or wrong in life. What works for me might not work for someone else. I have always listened to my heart. You can’t plan life. Life plans itself and you just have to follow that path. Whether it’s films or anything else, I always let my heart decide. Yes, at the peak of my career, I decided to get married and have a baby. But who says that marriage or motherhood will change anything to do with my work? Even if it does, so be it. I don’t care. I knew that in life, I would never regret the decision to have a baby. It’s a natural instinct. It’s the best decision that I have ever made. I have never been happier or more fulfilled. Every moment is more meaningful as a mother. Also, I believe in myself as an actor. If you work hard, are a good actor and if people want to work with you, aapke paas kaam aayega. And if work doesn’t come to you, then so be it. Maybe it’s not your time. I value my work a lot, but I also value my life beyond it, and I want to strike a balance between the two. Dil mein jo aata hai woh karo.

Totally. I am still the same person, but everything is different. Motherhood brings a completely new dimension to your life. Your priorities change. The word ‘responsibility’ holds a new meaning altogether. It’s the most vulnerable you can ever feel in life. Your heart opens fully.

When I was younger, I used to make resolutions, now I take each day as it comes. New Year always brings new energy. Kuch naya karna ho, accha karna ho, hum naye saal mein karte hai. Newness is always nice. For me, every day is a new day and a fresh beginning. I wonder how 2023 is going to live up to 2022! 2022 has been the best year of my life. I have two releases this coming year, so I am excited about them. I am excited to see my daughter grow up, see her facial expressions evolve and celebrate her first birthday in 2023.

Aisa kuch nahi hai. I will get back to work and brand commitments by the end of this month. Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani is slated to release in April 2023 and Farhan Akhtar’s Jee Le Zaraa will go on the floors. I am absolutely thrilled about these films.

I don’t believe in limiting myself unless there’s some physical limitation. I was pregnant, so yes, there was scope for many limitations, as pregnancy is unpredictable. I decided to take each day as it comes and listen to my body. Of course, work is very important, but at that point, my baby and my health were my priority. From the very beginning, I told myself that only if I was comfortable, will I push myself. Touchwood, my pregnancy didn’t hold me back physically. Yes, the first few weeks were slightly difficult, but at that time, I didn’t talk about it because you are not supposed to say anything for the first 12 weeks, right? That’s what everybody says, so I had to keep that information to myself, but I was listening to my body. I would try to get as much rest as possible, but you also have to meet your work commitments. Heart Of Stone is my first Hollywood movie, which I signed in January 2022. I tried hard to work out that schedule, so I didn’t want to back off. The team assured me that they will take good care of me. I managed to shoot my first action film while I was pregnant! That is a story I will tell for years because it also makes you realize how much your body is capable of if you just put your mind to it. I have immense respect and admiration for my body.

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor became proud parents to a baby girl on Sunday morning. The couple shared the news on social media, and their family members followed suit. Some family members, including Alia’s mother Soni Razdan and Ranbir’s mother Neetu Kapoor, were seen visiting the couple on Sunday evening. Alia’s half-brother Rahul Bhatt, who has been away for work, hasn’t been able to meet the proud parents and baby yet.

Sharing his excitement, he told BT, “I am overwhelmed. I haven’t been able to see the child, but I am just happy that both the mother and the baby are hale and hearty because that’s very important.”

He further added that his father, Mahesh Bhatt, is extremely excited to meet the little one. Rahul shared, “He’s the proudest person right now. He couldn’t wait for the baby’s arrival. What has happened is that he has had three daughters (Pooja, Shaheen and Alia), so it is a déjà vu of sorts for him. He is comparing this to the time when his first daughter, Pooja, was born.”

Talking about new parents, Alia and Ranbir, Rahul says, “Alia is very responsible, and I think Ranbir will be an extremely hands-on dad.”

Talking to Bombay Times, Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who was in France, said, “I am ecstatic! The feeling of becoming a bua is just something else, and I can’t wait to see the little one now!” — Renuka Vyavahare

For me, she is the sunrise,” declared an ecstatic Mahesh Bhatt when we called to congratulate the filmmaker. Sunday brought him among the biggest joys of his life. Bhatt’s actor-daughter Alia Bhatt and husband Ranbir Kapoor welcomed a baby girl at 12.05 pm, hours after the expectant mother was admitted to the HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in south Mumbai.

“Alia and the baby are doing well. Neetu Kapoor and Soni Razdan were by the new parents’ side at the time of the delivery,” a source said.

Bhatt, who rushed to meet his granddaughter later in the day, couldn’t contain his happiness. “This is such a luminous, glorious moment in my life. This child has only deepened my awe about the unfathomable mystery of life. The birth of a child is like a volcanic eruption; it changes everything.” 

Naturally, the moment also made him realise how far his youngest daughter has come in life. “In the blink of an eye, a girl whom I carried in my arms, is now a mama. Life is like an unending magic show, a continuous celebration.”

When Alia had announced her pregnancy, her filmmaker-father had said that he was gearing up for the most important role of his life. So, what kind of a grandfather will he make? “I will be the coolest grandfather in town,” he laughs.

Hours after the delivery, Alia took to Instagram to share the joyous news with fans. She posted a digital sketch of a lion, lioness and a cub in an embrace, with the caption reading, “Our baby is here, and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love.” The actor couple tied the knot in April after dating for five years. Their first offering together, Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva released in September.

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She is born — that’s how actor Soni Razdan informed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt of the arrival of their daughter Alia Bhatt’s first child. And what followed was an ocean of emotions for the new nana. “Just yesterday, Alia was a little baby I carried in my arms. Now, she is a mumma to a baby girl,” he tells us, adding, “When my wife called me from the hospital, I can’t put in words the manner in which she communicated those words... Chhoti ke aane se ghar bada ho gaya.”

Alia and Ranbir, the filmmaker says, are “quite overwhelmed by this life- altering moment”. “The birth of a child alters everything around you. It’s going to change them deeply. And they’re welcome to that change,” says the 74-year-old, adding that his and Soni’s role as grandparents will also play a big part in the little one’s upbringing.

Bollywood’s power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are now parents to a baby girl. The couple drove to a hospital in Girgaon, Mumbai, around 7:30 am yesterday. Ranbir’s mother Neetu Kapoor, and Alia’s mother Soni Razdan and her sister Shaheen Bhatt were also present at the hospital.

On Sunday morning, Alia shared the news of their daughter’s arrival, writing on her Instagram Stories, “And in the best news of our lives, our baby is here. . . and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love – and blessed and obsessed parents!!!!! (sic)”

Apparently, Ranbir and Alia began dating when they started shooting for Brahmastra in 2018 and tied the knot on April 14 this year in an intimate wedding ceremony at their Bandra home, with just their family and close friends in attendance. On June 27, Alia surprised everyone when she shared a picture from an ultrasound session on social media and wrote, “Our baby …. . coming soon (sic). ”

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Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are now parents! The actor- couple welcomed their first child, a girl, on Sunday, at Mumbai’s HN Reliance Hospital.

“And in the best news of our lives: Our baby is here... and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love -- blessed and obsessed parents (sic),” read Alia’s Insta post.

The couple’s families are also ecstatic at the new addition to the family. Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni tells us from France, “I can’t wait to see the newborn! We are all very excited. My mum (Neetu Kapoor) will FaceTime me the minute she sees her.”

The couple got married in April this year. In June, Alia had announced that she and Ranbir are set to embrace parenthood, with a picture of her undergoing sonography.

Last month, the Kapoor family organised an intimate baby shower for Alia at her residence, which saw her mum Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt and others in attendance.

htc [with inputs from rishabh suri]

Alia announced in June that she’s expecting her first child. After wrapping up the shoot of her Hollywood debut, Heart of Stone, she dived into Brahmastra promotions. She has also set maternity fashion goals on the go, especially with her ‘Baby on Board’ gharara.

In 2014, Alia revealed that she first met Ranbir on sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black, when she was just 11.

In January 2018, they crossed paths on the sets of Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, which marked their first project together. The duo instantly hit it off.

In May 2018, they made their first appearance as a couple at Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja’s reception in Mumbai.

In March 2019, the actor made Ranbir blush when she said “I love you” to him at an award function. Later in the year, she posted an adorable message on Ranbir’s birthday, calling him her “sunshine”.

In 2020, Ranbir said during an interview that had the pandemic not hit, he would’ve been married to Alia already.

In November 2021, the couple’s Diwali snap broke the internet.

In April this year, after much speculation, Alia and Ranbir got married in their house in the presence of their families and close friends.