In a recent interview, acclaimed director Imtiaz Ali shared intriguing insights into the casting choices for two of his most memorable films, “Highway” and “Rockstar.” Ali delved into the stories behind casting Alia Bhatt as the lead in “Highway” and Ranbir Kapoor in “Rockstar,” highlighting the unique attributes each actor brought to their roles and how they perfectly embodied the characters he envisioned.

Ali began by discussing the casting of Alia Bhatt in “Highway,” a film that revolves around the journey of a young woman named Veera who finds freedom in captivity. He revealed that he was searching for someone who could genuinely capture the innocence and rawness of Veera’s character. Despite her young age and being relatively new in the industry, Ali saw a spark in Alia that convinced him she was the right choice for the role.

“Alia had this incredible combination of vulnerability and strength that is rare to find. I needed someone who could convincingly portray a character undergoing a transformation while displaying a wide range of emotions,” Ali explained. He further elaborated on how Alia’s audition left a lasting impression on him. “When Alia auditioned for the role, she brought an authentic freshness and sincerity that was simply captivating. Her eyes spoke volumes, and I knew she was our Veera.”

The director also discussed the challenges and rewards of working with a young actress like Alia. He praised her dedication and willingness to immerse herself completely into the character. “Alia was fearless. She was willing to explore every nuance of Veera’s personality, and her eagerness to learn and adapt was inspiring. She transformed herself for the role, and the audience could feel her journey throughout the film.”

Turning his attention to “Rockstar,” Ali shared the process of casting Ranbir Kapoor as the passionate and rebellious musician, Janardhan Jakhar, who later becomes Jordan. The director revealed that he had always envisioned Ranbir for the role due to his natural charisma and depth as an actor. “Ranbir possesses a magnetic aura and an emotional depth that is rare. He was my first and only choice for the role of Jordan.”

Ali described how Ranbir’s ability to portray intense emotions and his dedication to his craft made him the perfect fit for the character. “Rockstar required someone who could internalize the struggles and triumphs of a musician’s journey, and Ranbir did just that. He dove deep into the psyche of Jordan, embodying his passion, anger, and vulnerability in a way that was both compelling and heart-wrenching.”

The director also spoke about the rigorous preparation Ranbir underwent to portray a musician authentically. From learning to play the guitar to understanding the intricacies of live performances, Ranbir left no stone unturned. “Ranbir was relentless in his pursuit of perfection. He trained tirelessly, not just to master the musical aspects but also to capture the essence of a rockstar’s life. His commitment to the role was truly remarkable.”

Imtiaz Ali’s casting choices for both films have been widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike, with both Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor delivering standout performances that have become defining moments in their careers. Ali’s ability to identify and nurture talent has contributed significantly to the success of his films, making him one of the most respected directors in the industry.

In conclusion, Imtiaz Ali’s revelations about casting Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor provide a deeper understanding of his creative process and his knack for finding the right actors to bring his characters to life. His insights underscore the importance of casting in filmmaking and how the right choice can elevate a film to new heights.