Alia Bhatt Almost Wasn’t Veera: Aishwarya Rai Was Imtiaz Ali’s First Choice for Highway

Director reveals surprising casting choice for the breakthrough role that transformed Alia Bhatt’s career

Alia Bhatt’s journey from the ‘nepo kid’ tag to a powerhouse performer has been nothing short of spectacular. While films like *Gangubai Kathiawadi* showcased her acting prowess, it was *Highway* that truly marked her arrival as a versatile actress. But did you know that the role could have gone to another Bollywood icon?

Director Imtiaz Ali recently revealed that he originally envisioned a more mature actress for the lead role in *Highway*. His first choice? None other than the ethereal Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. “I always wanted a woman of at least 30 for the role,” Ali confessed in an interview. “I didn’t want a young, inexperienced actress. Aishwarya without makeup would have been perfect.”

However, fate had other plans. A chance meeting with Alia Bhatt at a film screening left a lasting impression on the director. Her raw talent and emotional depth convinced him that she was the perfect fit for the complex character of Veera. The rest, as they say, is history.

*Highway* released in 2014 and while it didn’t set the box office ablaze, it earned critical acclaim and established Alia Bhatt as a force to be reckoned with. The film’s impact on her career is undeniable, and it’s fascinating to imagine what could have been had Aishwarya Rai taken on the role.

Meanwhile, Alia is gearing up for her next release, *Jigra*, which is slated to hit theaters on October 11, 2024.