Alia Bhatt on Gangubai Kathiawadi: “One of the most special experiences”
Alia Bhatt recently looked back at her time with Gangubai Kathiawadi and described the film as one of the most special experiences of her career. The movie, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, marked a clear turning point for Alia — both as an actor and as a public figure willing to take bold creative risks.
A landmark role that changed the game
Playing Gangubai required Alia to step far outside the comfort zone of her earlier roles. The character’s strength, vulnerability and moral complexity demanded deep emotional work and a complete physical transformation. Alia has often talked about the hours spent perfecting the voice, posture and gestures that brought this real-life figure to the screen.
Why the film remains so meaningful to her
- Creative trust: Working with a filmmaker like Sanjay Leela Bhansali gave her the space to experiment and push limits. That collaboration is something she frequently cites as rare and formative.
- Emotional challenge: The role tested her range and endurance. Scenes that required sustained intensity left a lasting impression on her as an artist.
- Impact beyond cinema: The story’s focus on a woman who fights for dignity in a harsh world resonated with audiences and with Alia herself, adding a social dimension to the performance.
On set: discipline, detail and dedication
Behind the glamour, Alia’s preparation was methodical. She immersed herself in the world of the film — studying mannerisms, interacting with people who could lend insight into the character’s life, and working closely with the costume and makeup teams. The result was a layered performance that critics and viewers alike praised for its authenticity.
Critical acclaim and audience love
Gangubai Kathiawadi earned widespread critical acclaim and connected strongly with audiences. The film’s striking visuals, powerful music and Alia’s performance combined to create an experience that many viewers remember long after the credits rolled. For Alia, the audience response reinforced how meaningful the project had been on a personal level.
What the film did for her career
Professionally, the film opened new doors. It helped position Alia as an actor who can carry layered, intense roles, and it showed producers and directors that she’s ready for ambitious, unconventional projects. She has since continued to choose diverse roles, but Gangubai remains a standout chapter in her filmography.
Legacy and lasting significance
More than just a milestone, Gangubai Kathiawadi changed how mainstream Hindi cinema looked at women-led narratives in gritty, period-style storytelling. Alia’s reflection on the film — calling it one of her most special experiences — underlines the personal and professional weight the project holds for her. It’s a film she returned to often in interviews and public appearances, and one that continues to influence conversations about performance, representation and cinematic ambition in Bollywood.
As Alia moves forward with new projects, the lessons and confidence she gained from Gangubai Kathiawadi are clearly part of her artistic DNA. For fans and film lovers, the film remains a vivid reminder of what can happen when an actor, director and story come together at the right moment.