Alia Bhatt featured in Imtiaz Ali’s movie Highway. However, the director revealed that he had some another, older actress on his mind for the role.

Alia Bhatt made her debut with Student of the Year, but it was her second film, Highway, that truly showcased her acting abilities. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film is often cited as one of Alia’s best performances, where she played the role of Veera Tripathi, a young woman who, after being kidnapped, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film’s portrayal of Veera’s emotional transformation and the contrast between her privileged background and her newfound freedom in captivity left a lasting impression on audiences.

In a candid conversation with Mid-Day, Imtiaz Ali revealed some interesting details about the casting process for Highway. Originally, he had envisioned the lead role to be played by a more mature actress. However, a chance meeting with Alia Bhatt at the screening of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana changed his mind. The entertainment news world was abuzz when Ali shared how he was struck by Alia’s emotional depth during their conversation. The Rockstar director realised that the qualities he was looking for in Veera could be found in a young actress like her.