Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Alia Bhatt reflected on her experience with Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), describing the role as both her riskiest and the one that has stayed with her the longest.
Calling Gangubai a leap of faith, Alia shared that she entered the project with belief rather than certainty. “It was one of the riskiest parts I’ve played. I didn’t know if I would be able to do it,” she said, adding that she chose to fully surrender to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “I knew I was in very strong hands. There was no midway it was either going to really land or not.”
The emotional weight of the character, she noted, continued to linger well beyond filming. “Gangubai Kathiawadi remains the character that has stayed with me the longest on an emotional level,” Alia said at the event.
Her portrayal of the formidable Kamathipura matriarch received widespread critical acclaim and became a defining moment in her career. The performance also earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, her first, underscoring the role’s lasting impact.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most influential filmmakers, is known for his meticulous attention to detail and emotionally rich storytelling. His work is often likened to that of legends such as Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor, establishing him as one of India’s most globally recognised cinematic voices.
Following the success of Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia Bhatt and Bhansali are set to collaborate once again on Love and War, a romantic drama that also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
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