Favorite Alia Bhatt Movies of All Time

Alia Bhatt is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, born into a family with deep roots in the film industry. As the daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan, Alia was destined for stardom. Growing up surrounded by cinema, it was no surprise that Alia would one day step into the limelight herself. From her early days, she had an innate charm and talent that would help her carve her own path in the Indian film industry.

She made her debut in Bollywood at the tender age of 19 with Student of the Year and quickly gained popularity with her youthful energy and acting skills. Over the years, Alia has proven her versatility with a wide range of roles from light-hearted romantic comedies to intense dramas. Today, she is one of the most celebrated actresses in India and her fame has reached international levels with her recent appearance at the Met Gala and her Hollywood debut. Let’s take a look at some of her all-time favorite movies that have defined her career and won the hearts of millions worldwide.

Alia Bhatt’s debut film, Student of the Year, was a huge commercial success. Directed by Karan Johar, the film was a glamorous high school drama that introduced Alia as Shanaya, a stylish and confident rich girl. Her role may have been light, but her screen presence made an instant impression. Alia shone brightly and this marked the beginning of her journey to stardom. Her charm and dancing skills made her an instant fan favorite.

Based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel, 2 States saw Alia in a very different guise as Ananya, a smart and independent Tamil girl. This romantic drama revolved around an intercultural love story between a North Indian boy and a South Indian girl, played by Alia and Arjun Kapoor. Alia’s portrayal of a modern woman in love struck a chord with the audience. Her performance was natural and relatable, showing that she could do more than just play the glamorous girl next door.

Highway is one of Alia Bhatt’s most critically acclaimed performances. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, this road drama gave Alia a chance to showcase her depth as an actress at the beginning of her career. Alia played Veera, a young woman from a wealthy family who is kidnapped but ultimately finds freedom and self-discovery on a journey with her captor, played by Randeep Hooda. The film beautifully explored the complexities of trauma, healing and finding peace in unexpected places. Alia’s portrayal of Veera was raw, emotional and authentic, making her performance one of the standout aspects of the film. Highway won her a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress and cemented her reputation as an actress who can take on challenging roles.

In Kapoor & Sons, Alia played a supporting role in this emotional family drama. Alia played the role of Tia, a cheerful and carefree young woman, and her light-hearted nature perfectly balanced the heavier emotional elements of the film. Her chemistry with both Siddharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan was one of the highlights of the film. The film, which dealt with complex family relationships, was a critical and commercial success and Alia’s effortless performance added to the charm of the film.

Dear Zindagi was a turning point for Alia Bhatt. In this heartwarming film, she played Kaira, a young camerawoman struggling with her emotions and career. Directed by Gauri Shinde, the film gave Alia the opportunity to shine as a leading lady, supported by Shah Rukh Khan in a mentor-like role. Alia’s portrayal of a young woman trying to navigate life and her mental health resonated with many and her performance was praised for its depth and authenticity. The role cemented her position as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.

One of Alia Bhatt’s most critically acclaimed performances was in Raazi, where she played Sehmat, a young Indian woman who becomes a spy during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, this intense and gripping film showcased Alia’s ability to pull off complex roles with grace. Her portrayal of Sehmat, who marries a Pakistani officer to gather intelligence for India, won her several awards, including a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Raazi was a box office hit and Alia’s performance was hailed as one of the best of her career.

In Gully Boy, Alia played Safeena Firdausi, the fiery and possessive girlfriend of Ranveer Singh’s character, Murad Ahmed. The film, inspired by the lives of real-life street rappers, was a box office hit and while Ranveer dominated most of the screen time, Alia’s fierce performance stood out. Her character, Safeena, was unapologetically sassy and added a spark to the story. Alia’s comic timing and dramatic outbursts in the film were widely appreciated, making Safeena one of her most memorable and fan-favorite characters.

One of Alia Bhatt’s most powerful performances was in Gangubai Kathiawadi, where she played the real-life character Gangubai, a woman who rises to power in the male-dominated world of Mumbai’s underworld in the 1960s. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film was a critical and commercial success and Alia’s portrayal of Gangubai was praised for its intensity, power and grace. Her transformation into a fearless mafia queen earned her widespread praise and she won a Filmfare Award for her performance.

In Darlings, Alia not only essayed the role of an actor but also that of a producer. Starring Shefali Shah and Vijay Varma, this black comedy dealt with domestic violence and revenge, but with a unique twist. Alia played Badrunissa, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage who eventually takes matters into her own hands. Her performance was both strong and vulnerable, and she received immense praise for balancing the film’s comedic and dramatic tones. Darlings was appreciated for its unique storytelling, and Alia’s performance was crucial to its success.

One of Alia’s most ambitious projects, Brahmastra, was a fantasy action film directed by Ayan Mukerji. In the film, she starred opposite her now-husband Ranbir Kapoor. Alia played Isha, a young woman who helps Ranbir’s character discover his powers in the mystical world of the Astras. The film was a visual spectacle and one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2022. Alia’s chemistry with Ranbir and her performance in the film were widely appreciated.

Alia Bhatt made her Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone, starring opposite Gal Gadot. This international espionage thriller cast Alia in a whole new light, as she played a tech genius in a high-stakes spy game. Although the film itself received mixed reviews, Alia’s Hollywood debut was widely anticipated and marked a major milestone in her career. Her growing global presence was cemented with the film, and she is now a recognized name outside of Bollywood.