Lights Camera Life

Alia Bhatt is redefining success. The actor shares her approach to work, life, and self-care—it’s all about finding the right balance with almost mathematical precision.

- RASNA BHASIN

I step into our shoot location—a serene bungalow tucked away in the heart of bustling Bandra. Its charm is understated, much like the woman at the centre of it all. Inside, Alia Bhatt moves effortlessly between roles—one moment, a mother playing with her daughter, Raha, rollers still in her hair; the next, a consummate professional, ready for the camera.

Bhatt, 32, hardly needs an introduction. From the fresh-faced ingénue of Student of the Year (2012) to the powerhouse performer in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), she has carved a unique space in Indian cinema. But acting is only one facet of her ever-expanding world. Today, she is a global icon, a fashion muse, and an entrepreneur whose brand equity has placed her on the international stage with Gucci and L’Oréal.

As the shoot unfolds, I watch her from the sidelines—composed, precise, and deeply attuned to the process. She isn’t one for unnecessary chatter, but when she speaks, it’s with quiet certainty. She listens carefully, offers input when it matters, and moves through every frame with remarkable ease.

Four hours later, we wrap—a testament to her efficiency. She is known for working at this pace, her transitions seamless, her presence magnetic.

The next time we speak, it’s a Sunday. She’s en route to a shoot while I’m still easing into my day. The conversation turns to time—how she divides it, how she protects it.

“Honestly, it’s pure mathematics,” she says. “A lot of it comes down to saying no. After more than 12 years in the industry, I’ve learned to structure my time carefully.”

She breaks it down: 150 days for films, 20 to 30 for endorsements, her brands—Ed-a-Mamma and Eternal Sunshine—finance meetings, home organisation. That leaves her with about 185 days for herself and her family.