Alia Bhatt’s journey in the film industry is marked by her early aspirations and significant milestones, particularly her connection with renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. At just nine years old, Alia auditioned for Bhansali’s critically acclaimed film ‘Black’, which was released in 2005 and starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji. Despite not securing the role, this experience left a lasting impression on both the young actress and the filmmaker.
During her appearance at the 2022 Berlin International Film Festival, Alia reflected on her childhood dream of working with Bhansali.She had expressed her admiration for him, stating, “My biggest inspiration before I began the film and through my film was my director sitting right here. I wanted to be directed by him ever since I was 9 years old.”
Alia candidly recounted her audition for ‘Black’, admitting, “I was terrible, which is why I did not get the part. But he looked at me, and he narrates that story even now. He looked into my eyes and said to himself, ‘She is going to be a heroine, a big actor someday.’” This moment not only highlighted Bhansali’s foresight but also Alia’s determination.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself reminisced about Alia’s audition during an interview with the Mumbai Mirror back in 2019. He recalled, “When she was nine, she’d come with her mother (Soni Razdan) to audition for ‘Black’. I saw the sparkle in her eyes. I told Soni I wouldn’t audition her for a child’s role because I knew she was a Hindi film heroine.” His belief in her potential was evident even at that young age; he later expressed his desire to work with her on future projects.
In 2019, when ‘Inshallah’ was announced—a film initially set to star Salman Khan and Alia—Bhansali reiterated his admiration for her talent. “I wanted their girl, but that project didn’t happen. Inshallah, this one will be a beautiful journey.” As ‘Inshallah’ was announced, Alia expressed her excitement on social media: “I was nine when I first walked into Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office, all nervous and hoping and praying that I would be in his next film. It’s been a long wait.”
Unfortunately, ‘Inshallah’ was eventually shelved, but fate had other plans.
Alia’s dream of working with Bhansali finally materialized with the ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi‘. This film marked their first collaboration and has been celebrated as one of Alia’s most significant successes.
‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ not only became a box office hit but also earned Alia numerous accolades, including a National Award. This collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali not only fulfilled her childhood dream but also showcased her versatility as an actress and solidified her status as a leading actor in Bollywood.
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