Alia Bhatt Recalls Working With Shah Rukh Khan And Sanjay Leela Bhansali: ‘Felt Like Going To Acting School’ – News18

Alia Bhatt made her Bollywood debut with the film Student of the Year, helmed by Karan Johar as the director, in 2012. In the 11 years since, the actress has worked with many big names in the industry when it comes to actors and directors. Even her filmography has some variety to offer, from serious films like Gangubai Kathiawadi to good-for-the-soul films like Dear Zindagi. In a recent interview, she addressed how working with industry stalwarts has shaped her as an actor.

In an interview with Vogue Singapore, Alia was asked as she journeyed from “lighter films” like Dear Zindagi to more “emotionally charged” films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, what impact that had on her as an actor. She said, “Each directorial experience has taught me something. With Dear Zindagi, I learnt so much from Shah Rukh Khan. He made such an impact on the way I am and how I behave on set. His behaviour, respect, inclination towards everything in a scene—I learnt a lot from that.”

“For Gangubai Kathiawadi I felt like I went back to school all over again but this time it was acting school. Once you walk out of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali set, you’re no longer the same person. Like Ranveer [Singh] says, you’ve been ‘Bhansali-fied’ (laughs),” she said.

Alia added, “It’s working with the people who make you more prepared for the next journey, but it’s not like you’ll ever have the answers. You’ll learn with each film as long as you’re open and you’ve walked onto the set deciding that you don’t have all the answers.”

Meanwhile, the National Award-winning actress is currently shooting for her upcoming film Jigra. Alia is not just playing the lead in the film but is also co-producing it with Karan Johar. The film is directed by Vasan Bala of Monica, O My Darling fame. She is also rumoured to be collaborating with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Baiju Bawra.