Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 17: As Udta Punjab completed 10 years since its release, director Abhishek Chaubey reflected on casting Alia Bhatt in the critically acclaimed film, admitting that he initially had reservations about whether the actress could convincingly portray a character from a vastly different socio-economic background.
Speaking in a recent interview, Chaubey said he was sceptical when Alia's name first emerged during casting discussions, having only seen portions of her debut film Student of the Year. However, his perception changed after watching her performance in Highway.
"When Alia’s name came up, I thought everyone had gone completely mad. But after watching Highway, I could see her sincerity and talent," he said.
Despite recognising her acting abilities, the filmmaker said his primary concern was whether she could bridge the gap between her real-life background and the character of Mary Jane, a migrant labourer struggling for survival in Punjab.
"My worry was not about the dialect or accent. Anyone can learn that. I was concerned about the authenticity of the character because Alia comes from a completely different world," Chaubey explained.
The director praised Bhatt's dedication to the role, saying she immersed herself fully in the character during the preparation process.
"I had never seen someone commit themselves so completely to a role. She left herself at home and became that character," he said.
Chaubey also credited actor Pankaj Tripathi for helping Alia understand the social realities of her character. Tripathi, who was involved in training and script readings, shared insights into the lives of marginalised communities and guided Bhatt through extensive preparation sessions.
According to Chaubey, Tripathi even conducted exercises where Alia would close her eyes and imagine her character's life experiences, helping her establish an emotional connection with the role.
Released on June 17, 2016, Udta Punjab tackled the issue of drug abuse in Punjab and was widely praised for its powerful storytelling and performances. The film featured an ensemble cast including Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh and Alia Bhatt, whose portrayal of a migrant labourer earned widespread acclaim and marked a turning point in her acting career.