Bollywood sensation Alia Bhatt marks her grand entry into
Hollywood with her debut in Netflix's captivating film 'Heart of Stone'.
The allure of Hollywood had been on Alia Bhatt's radar for a
considerable time. A beloved icon in the Hindi film industry for over a decade
and boasting an impressive following of 79 million on Instagram, she had been
contemplating stepping into the realm of English-language cinema. However, her
aspirations were yet to materialize. That is, until fate intervened. News
reached Bhatt about an upcoming action franchise fronted and produced by none
other than Gal Gadot. Within a mere week of perusing the script, the ink was
dry on the deal. As she reflected on the journey, Bhatt mused, "Your
inaugural film selects you. Technically, this serves as my debut
English-language film. It chose me, and I am immensely grateful for that
fact."
"Heart of Stone," an exhilarating globetrotting
espionage thriller that features the star power of Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan,
premieres worldwide on Netflix this Friday. Bhatt takes on the role of Keya, a
technological prodigy. Diving into the specifics of her character risks
unraveling the intricate plot, but it's crucial to the narrative. In India,
Bhatt had become accustomed to headlining productions, but this venture saw her
embrace a supportive role, as long as it held substantial significance.
During filming, Bhatt found herself expecting a child, and
she marveled at the scenes she "performed" in the finished product,
all with the assistance of stunt doubles and cutting-edge digital effects.
"I'm left thinking, 'Did I really do that?'" she chuckled. "It's
hard to believe, but the evidence is right there."
The release of "Heart of Stone" culminates a
remarkable year for the 30-year-old luminary. She not only welcomed her first
child but also graced her inaugural Met Gala and secured the distinction of
being the premier Indian house ambassador for the prestigious brand Gucci. Her
role in the Telugu-language action spectacle "RRR" garnered international
acclaim, further solidifying her global presence. Additionally, Bhatt is
etching her name as a producer. Her maiden production, "Darlings,"
also under the Netflix banner, offered an experience that was simultaneously
demanding, nerve-wracking, and immensely rewarding.
Hailing from a lineage deeply ingrained in Bollywood,
Bhatt's father, Mahesh Bhatt, commands reverence as a distinguished filmmaker,
while her mother, Soni Razdan, boasts a history as a former actress. Alia made
her on-screen introduction through Karan Johar's youthful drama "Student
of the Year" in 2012. Subsequent accolades rolled in for her performance
as a kidnapping victim in the poignant drama "Highway" (2014). Her
union with fellow Bollywood luminary Ranbir Kapoor in the previous year marked
a significant personal milestone.