Top Alia Bhatt Performances

Alia Bhatt had her first leading role in 2012 with Karan Johar's teen film Student of the Year; now she’s back to collaborating with Johar over a decade later in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani. Bhatt has proven herself to be a versatile performer with a knack for bringing complex, multi-dimensional characters to life on screen. Whether she's playing an Indian spy, a drug-addicted migrant worker, or a quirky young girl in love, Bhatt's performances are always worth watching.

Highway (2014)

In Imtiaz Ali's Highway, Alia Bhatt plays a girl who is kidnapped, and soon discovers a kinship with her kidnapper, played by Randeep Hooda. In this critically acclaimed film, Alia plays a young girl who is kidnapped and held captive by a criminal. As she travels with him across the country, she confronts both her own demons and those of the entire society she lives in. The film explores themes of trauma, healing, and self-discovery, and Bhatt's performance was central to its success. Alia's portrayal of the complex emotional journey her character goes through in the film cemented her talent as an actress to watch.

You can watch Highway on Disney+Hotstar.

Udta Punjab (2016)

In Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab, Alia Bhatt plays a Bihari migrant worker whose life is upended by drug addiction. Her nuanced portrayal of a woman who is desperate to escape her circumstances but ultimately unable to completely overcome the pull of addiction earned her widespread praise. The film highlights the issue of drug addiction in the region and Alia's performance as a young girl whose life spirals out of control as a result of the narcotics was both brave and poignant.

Udta Punjab is currently not available on streaming.

Dear Zindagi (2016)

In Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi, Alia Bhatt plays a young woman struggling to find her place in the world and grappling with issues of mental health. Bhatt brought both vulnerability and strength to the role, and her chemistry with co-star Shah Rukh Khan was a highlight of the film. Kaira seeks help from a therapist, played by Khan, and the film explores her journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. Bhatt's performance in the film was both vulnerable and authentic, showcasing her talent as an actress who can handle difficult and emotional content.

You can watch Dear Zindagi on Netflix.

Kapoor & Sons (2016)

In Kapoor & Sons, Bhatt’s performance has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. In the film, Bhatt portrays the character of Tia Malik, a young girl who becomes the love interest of both the male leads, played by Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan. Bhatt's performance has been described as natural and effortless, with many critics appreciating her chemistry with both Malhotra and Khan on screen. Her portrayal of Tia has been praised for being a well-rounded character who is not reduced to just a love interest. Her performance in Kapoor & Sons is no exception, as she shines among a star-studded cast that includes veterans like Rishi Kapoor and Ratna Pathak Shah.

Kapoor & Sons is streaming on Netflix.

Raazi (2018)

Raazi tells the true story of a young woman who is sent by India's intelligence agency to Pakistan during the 1971 war. In the film, Alia undergoes a transformation from a patriotic young woman to a spy who has to betray both her country and her family to complete her mission. Bhatt's portrayal of Sehmat in Meghna Gulzar's directorial venture was a standout in her career. She managed to bring out the vulnerability and strength of her character with natural ease. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Bhatt numerous awards for her performance. “Mujhe ghar jana hai” became an iconic moment in pop culture.

Raazi is available on Amazon Prime Video.

Gully Boy (2019)

Alia Bhatt's performance in Gully Boy was one of the highlights of the movie. She brought a raw, emotional energy to her character that perfectly complemented the film's gritty urban landscape. The film follows her relationship with the film's main character, played by Ranveer Singh, as they both try to make a name for themselves in a society that often doesn't value their talents. Alia's performance as a young woman who stands with her partner against the odds was both charming and inspiring.

You can watch Gully Boy on Amazon Prime Video.

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Gangubai Kathiawadi is a film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead role. The movie is about the rise of Gangubai Kothewali from a forced prostitute to a powerful political figure. Gangubai Kathiawadi tells the story of Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi's ascension to becoming a brothel madam and her fight for women's rights in her new role. Bhatt's portrayal of the character has been widely praised by critics, marking a rare breakout for a female-led Bollywood feature. The film's commercial success has given hope to the Bollywood industry about the future of box-office, challenging the belief that male-driven films succeed.

Gangubai Kathiawadi is streaming on Netflix.

Darlings (2022)

In Darlings, Bhatt plays Badru, a woman stuck in an abusive relationship with her husband, Hamza. Bhatt's portrayal of Badru's transformation from a helpless victim to a vengeful avenger is deliciously twisted and strangely admirable. Her performance perfectly captures the emotional complexity of the character, who is both vulnerable and fierce. The film's director, Jasmeet K. Reen has stated that Bhatt was the perfect choice to play the role of Badru. The dark comedy brought a new shade of Bhatt to our screens and we saw Bhatt hold her ground among stalwarts Shefali Shah and Vijay Varma.

You can watch Darlings on Netflix.