Imtiaz Ali’s 2014 film Highway marked a significant turning point in Alia Bhatt’s career, establishing her as a talented actress in Bollywood. However, what many people don’t know is that Alia wasn’t the original choice for the role of Veera Tripathi. In a recent interview, Imtiaz Ali revealed that he initially envisioned a more mature actress for the lead role and had even considered Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Imtiaz Ali’s Initial Vision for ‘Highway’
Imtiaz Ali, known for his deep and emotionally charged films, initially wanted to cast a senior actress like Aishwarya Rai for the role of Veera in Highway. He imagined the character as a mature woman, which he believed would add depth to the story. Aishwarya Rai, known for her acting prowess and timeless beauty, was at the top of his list. Imtiaz even mentioned that Aishwarya without makeup would have been a perfect fit for the character.
The Turning Point: Meeting Alia Bhatt
The decision to cast Alia Bhatt came after Imtiaz Ali met her at the screening of the film Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. During their conversation, Imtiaz was struck by Alia’s warmth and emotional maturity. He realized that despite her young age, Alia possessed the emotional depth needed to portray Veera, a character who undergoes significant emotional turmoil.
In an interview with Mid Day, Imtiaz shared, “Her emotional level was very high, and I was drawn to talking to her. As our discussion turned to deep topics like home and society, Alia’s real voice emerged. This conversation made me realize that the emotional depth that I wanted in Veera could actually be presented by the ‘young girl’ standing in front of me, Alia.”
The Decision to Cast Alia Bhatt
After his meeting with Alia, Imtiaz Ali decided not to approach any other actress for the role. He felt that Alia, despite being a newcomer at the time, was the right choice to bring Veera’s character to life. Imtiaz explained, “Aishwarya Rai without makeup would have been the best choice for this film, but after meeting Alia, I didn’t contact anyone else.”
This decision proved to be a game-changer for Alia Bhatt, who delivered a powerful performance in Highway. Her portrayal of Veera, a girl from a wealthy family who gets kidnapped during a highway robbery, was both raw and impactful, earning her critical acclaim and solidifying her place in Bollywood.
The Success of ‘Highway’
Released in 2014, Highway tells the story of Veera Tripathi, a girl from a privileged background who finds herself in an unexpected situation after being kidnapped by a group of criminals led by Randeep Hooda’s character. The film explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the human connection, with Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Veera being one of the highlights. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, marking a major milestone in Alia’s career.
