All-Time Favorite Alia Bhatt Movies

Alia Bhatt is one of Bollywood’s brightest stars, born into a family that’s deeply rooted in the film industry. The daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan, Alia was destined for stardom. Growing up surrounded by cinema, it wasn’t surprising that Alia would one day step into the limelight herself. From her early days, she had an innate charm and the talent that would help her carve her own path in the Indian film industry.

She made her debut in Bollywood at the young 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 favourite 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 might have been light, but her on-screen presence made an instant impact. Alia shone brightly, and this marked the beginning of her journey to stardom. With her charm and dancing skills, she instantly became a fan favourite.

Based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel, 2 States saw Alia in a very different avatar as Ananya, a smart and independent Tamilian girl. This romantic drama revolved around a cross-cultural 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 audiences. 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 the chance to showcase her depth as an actor early in her career. Alia played Veera, a young woman from a wealthy family who gets kidnapped but eventually finds freedom and self-discovery during her journey with her kidnapper, 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 earned her a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress and solidified her reputation as an actress capable of taking on challenging roles.

In Kapoor & Sons, Alia took on a supporting role in this emotional family drama. Playing the role of Tia, a fun-loving and carefree young woman, Alia’s light-hearted character provided a perfect balance to the heavier emotional elements of the movie. Her chemistry with both Siddharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan was one of the highlights of the film. The movie, which dealt with complex family relationships, became a critical and commercial success, and Alia’s effortless acting added to the film’s charm.

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

One of Alia Bhatt’s most critically acclaimed performances came in Raazi, where she played the role of Sehmat, a young Indian woman who becomes a spy during the India-Pakistan war in 1971. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, this intense and gripping film showcased Alia’s ability to handle complex roles with grace. Her portrayal of Sehmat, who marries a Pakistani officer to gather intelligence for India, earned 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 finest 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 street rappers, was a blockbuster hit, and while Ranveer dominated most of the screen time, Alia’s fierce performance stood out. Her character, Safeena, was unapologetically bold and added a spark to the narrative. Alia’s comic timing and dramatic outbursts in the film were widely appreciated, making Safeena one of her most memorable and fan favourite characters.

One of Alia Bhatt’s most powerful performances came in Gangubai Kathiawadi, where she portrayed the real-life character of 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, strength, and grace. Her transformation into a fearless mafia queen earned her widespread acclaim, and she won a Filmfare Award for her performance.

In Darlings, Alia took on the role of not just an actor but also a producer. This dark comedy, co-starring Shefali Shah and Vijay Varma, 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 comedic and dramatic tones of the film. Darlings was appreciated for its unique storytelling, and Alia’s performance was central to its success.

One of Alia’s most ambitious projects, Brahmastra was a fantasy-action film directed by Ayan Mukerji. In this film, she starred alongside 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 movies of 2022. Alia’s chemistry with Ranbir and her performance in this film was widely appreciated.

Alia Bhatt made her Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone, starring alongside Gal Gadot. This international spy thriller showcased Alia in a completely new light, playing a tech genius in a high-stakes game of espionage. While the movie itself received mixed reviews, Alia’s Hollywood debut was widely anticipated and marked an important milestone in her career. Her growing global presence was solidified with this film, and she is now a recognized name beyond Bollywood.