Recently, the entertainment industry, particularly Hindi cinema, has been abuzz with news regarding various projects by Imtiaz Ali. For the first time in his career, the director seems to be managing several projects at once, rather than concentrating on a single endeavor. This shift ensures that he will remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future as his three upcoming films are gradually released. However, what truly keeps him in the headlines is his remarkable filmography, which has significantly influenced a generation of film enthusiasts. While Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Tara in Tamasha is iconic, and Alia Bhatt’s Veera in Highway is beloved, one might wonder which actor Imtiaz Ali currently favors. Continue reading to discover the answer!

Imtiaz Ali Picks Alia Bhatt Over Deepika Padukone

Imtiaz Ali has worked with Deepika Padukone on two occasions—Love Aaj Kal and Tamasha—and also penned her breakout film, Cocktail. In contrast, he collaborated with Alia Bhatt on Highway, a film that solidified her reputation as a formidable actress. In a recent episode of Game Changer with Komal Nahta, the director participated in a rapid-fire segment where he had to choose between the two actresses, ultimately selecting Alia over Deepika, a decision that piqued the interest of fans!

During the podcast, Komal initiated a rapid-fire round, prompting Imtiaz to make swift choices. When faced with the decision between Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, he opted for Alia. He also chose Ranbir Kapoor over Diljit Dosanjh. However, the most captivating moment arose when he was asked which film he wished he had directed between Kapoor & Sons and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna—he expressed a preference for Kapoor & Sons, featuring Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, and Fawad Khan.

Imtiaz Ali on Highway & Alia Bhatt’s Casting

During a recent discussion, Imtiaz Ali shared insights about the film Highway, revealing that Alia Bhatt was not his first choice for the role. He noted that Alia was initially reluctant to accept the part, and it was her father, Mahesh Bhatt, who ultimately persuaded her to take on the role.

Ali explained, "Our creative process is not based on calculations; it is driven by instinct. At first, I envisioned casting a more mature actor, around 30 years old, someone who had experienced life and could embody a rebellious spirit. However, upon meeting Alia, I realized, ‘This is the girl.’ Although she was only 18 at the time, she possessed the emotional depth required for the character. Despite her limited experience, as I had not even seen Student of the Year, her articulate manner and charm stood out. She had an exceptional quality that suited this role perfectly."

He added, "I would often visit her home, where Bhatt Sahab (Mahesh Bhatt) was making efforts to encourage her. Alia felt apprehensive because every scene revolved around her. She questioned her ability to handle such a challenging film."

In addition to Alia Bhatt, Highway featured Randeep Hooda in a prominent role and is regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2014. For further updates on Imtiaz Ali, Bollywood, and the latest in streaming and cinema, stay connected with OTTplay!

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