Mahesh Bhatt: Ranbir Kapoor says, 'Alia Bhatt is made of different stuff'

Mahesh Bhatt says Alia Bhatt is self-made, not launched by him, and praises her risk-taking and growth as an actor and mother. He acknowledges nepotism but stresses talent and access matter.

Mahesh Bhatt with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

Despite being one of the most popular and adaptable actors in Bollywood today, Alia Bhatt's career has been clouded by the talk about nepotism. Initially, people attributed her success to her privileged background as the daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Alia, on the other hand, has been working steadily towards her goal for more than a decade, and her filmography now features numerous critically acclaimed performances. With notable roles in Highway Udta Punjab, Raazi, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia has consistently garnered accolades for her acting abilities, beginning with her debut performance in Karan Johar's Student of the Year (2012).

Mahesh Bhatt clarifies his role in Alia Bhatt's debut

On a recent episode of The Himanshu Mehta Show Mahesh Bhatt debunked the age-old accusation of nepotism and highlighted Alia's independence. He remarked, "I didn’t launch Alia Bhatt. Karan Johar launched her. I didn’t know she had so much thirst for acting in her. She gave the audition herself. I just got to know they loved her work. I was shocked because I hadn’t seen any such traits in her, even remotely. I’m very happy she’s a self-made girl."

The seasoned filmmaker thought about how his daughter's fame had made him more famous to younger viewers. He went on to say, "The young generation today approach me for pictures only to flaunt that they met Alia Bhatt’s father. Alia has astounded me! What is unique about her is that she has a taste for taking risks and she’s taken the detours into diverse narratives."

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Observing Alia Bhatt's growth after motherhood

While discussing the changes he has seen in her after becoming a mother, Mahesh remarked on a remarkable personal growth spurt. He shared, "I see a new depth in her. With this young girl becoming a mother, there’s a coming-of-age of a different kind, a different kind of maturity in her. I’m also looking forward to her new films, which should be coming out now.

Raha Kapoor, Alia's daughter with Ranbir Kapoor, was born in 2022. Alpha directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Yash Raj Films, is an upcoming YRF Spy Universe film, and she is now preparing for its release. On December 25, the movie will hit the theatres. Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, will be released in 2026.

Ranbir Kapoor's view on Alia Bhatt's drive

In addition, Mahesh Bhatt mentioned that Alia is highly regarded by Ranbir Kapoor, his son-in-law. The filmmaker stated, "He says, ‘Alia is made of different stuff.’ When I ask him, ‘What do you mean?’ he says, ‘Her ambition to do more and more and more is unbelievably astounding!’ While he’s a person who’s very laid-back and comfortable, and he just wants to do enough. She’s a go-getter."

In response to a question regarding the larger discussion surrounding nepotism, Mahesh provided a complex analysis. He added, "Nature is very fair. It’s not important that the rose would bloom in only your garden. Nature spreads its jewels across the world. Nepotism is a reality, but it’s also not. Just because my child is talented, that doesn’t mean I disqualify them."

Reality of access and privilege in industry

Also, he mentioned that it's certainly not hard for them. He concluded by saying, "Because access is success. Talented people don’t even get access for years. It’s important to understand that the voice that’s been raised against nepotism—there’s a collective anger behind that. That’s why we get to hear about that every other day."

FAQs

Q: Who launched Alia Bhatt?

A: Karan Johar launched Alia Bhatt in Student of the Year (2012).

Q: When did Alia Bhatt become a mother?

A: Alia became a mother in 2022, after the birth of her daughter Raha Kapoor.

Q: What are Alia Bhatt’s next films?

A: She will star in Alpha releasing on December 25, 2025 and Love & War in 2026.

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