MUMBAI : Mahesh Bhatt on Alia Bhatt’s portrayal in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’

MUMBAI : The ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ trailer is out and while the audience is catching up on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new movie with Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn, a select few from the film industry have seen the trailer yesterday. Reactions coming out from these early viewings were that Alia Bhatt has completely dissolved into her Gangubai character. The film is slated to release on February 24.

ETimes reached out to Mahesh Bhatt to record his thoughts on Alia’s performance and the reactions that her portrayal of Gangubai is getting after the trailer release. Bhatt first shared a message that he wanted to convey to Alia. He said, “Remain what you are. Don’t try to be different from what you are, even for a moment. Only then you will begin to share your ‘fragrance’. Your need to be accepted by the world makes you give in. A flower does not preach. A weed does not want to be a rose. It does not care if you do not praise it or even crush it. The model is the problem.” Explaining his opinion and thoughts he added, “According to me, Alia stands out as Gangubai because she has not moulded herself to a model.”

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is the story of a sex worker who fought for the rights of other sex workers, as well as, underprivileged women. Karim Lala played an important role in her life and that important character is portrayed by Ajay Devgn. Vijay Raaz’s totally unique get up as Razia bai has also garnered reactions from the viewers.