Birthday special: How Alia Bhatt has evolved as an actor through her movies

Alia Bhatt turned 29 on March 15. Bhatt, who made her acting debut in Karan Johar’s 'Student of the Year' in 2012, has come a long way now. In a career spanning over 10 years, she has done some of the finest work and proved her mark.

From 'Highway' to 'Gangubai Kathiawadi': Here's are some of the roles that define her as an actor par excellence.

 

'Highway' was Alia's second film after her glitzy debut in 2012 in 'Student Of The Year'. An emotionally challenging role, Alia delivered a superlative as the troubled girl who finds solace in the company of her kidnapper.

When she made her debut in 'Student of the year' one would have never imagined that she would pull of the role of a spy with such ease. In Meghna Gulzar's 'Raazi' Bhatt played the quiet, strong, resilient Sehmat who willingly marries into a an army family in Pakistan just to get information for India that eventually helped the country win the 1971 war.

 

With 'Dear Zindagi', Alia chose a very sensitive topic like mental health. Alia played Kiara, a budding cinematographer who  is discontented with her life and seeks counselling to feel better. A slice of life film that highlighted the importance of mental health the film also had Shah Rukh Khan. But despite his presence, Alia stood her own in the film and earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

A city-bred girl in real life, Alia shocked everyone with her portrayal as Bauria, a Bihari migrant worker 'Udta Punjab' who had once aspired to become a national level hockey player. Like Highway this too was a difficult role, where Alia's character was shown to be a victim of sexual violence. The film was multi-starrer but Alia earned the maximum accolades for her performance.

 

''Mere boyfriend ke saath koi gulu gulu karenga toh toh dhoptuingi hi na usko'', the dialogue that makes Safeena stand out. In Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' Alia played the feisty Safeena who is over possessive about her boyfriend and uses the language of violence to assert her feelings for him. She's emotional and violent, aggressive at times but lovable.

After playing such interesting characters, Alia Bhatt once again managed to grab millions of eyes for her incredible portrayal of a sex worker Gangubai. Surely a career-changing performance for her -- from her body language to how she speaks, especially her glowy eyes -- she's just a winner! 

The movie is the story of one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams of Mumbai’s red-light area Kamathipura during the 1960s.