Imtiaz Ali recently shed light on the casting process for his latest film, revealing an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about the evolution of his lead character. Initially, Imtiaz Ali had envisioned a mature actress for the role, but a chance encounter with Alia Bhatt led him to reconsider his choice, ultimately casting her in the lead role.
Imtiaz Ali recounted a pivotal moment from the early stages of his casting process, noting that his initial concept for the character was quite different. During the screening of “Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana,” Imtiaz Ali met Bhatt for the first time, and he had not yet seen her debut film. This meeting turned out to be a significant turning point in his decision-making process.
In their conversation, Alia Bhatt spoke about various topics, including her perspectives on home and society. This discussion allowed Imtiaz Ali to perceive Alia Bhatt’s genuine voice and deeper understanding, which significantly influenced his decision. Her maturity and depth during their conversation made him reconsider his initial vision for the character.
Imtiaz Ali elaborated on his initial thoughts, saying, “At one point, I considered casting someone like Aishwarya Rai without any makeup for the role, but I didn’t approach anybody.” This candid admission highlights the extent of his initial vision for a mature portrayal. However, Alia Bhatt’s compelling presence and the insights she shared during their conversation prompted Imitiaz Ali to adjust his approach.
The decision to cast Alia Bhatt proved to be a fortuitous one, as her performance in the film has been widely praised. Her portrayal brought a fresh and nuanced perspective to the character, aligning perfectly with Imtiaz Ali’s evolving vision.