Imtiaz Ali Spills the Beans: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Was the Original Muse for ‘Highway’

Hello, my lovely Bollywood buffs! It’s your ever-curious, always-sarcastic Bollywood Newshound Nisha here, ready to spill some tea on the behind-the-scenes drama of B-town! Grab your popcorn, darlings, because this one’s a juicy tale of casting twists and turns.

Picture this: It’s 2014. Imtiaz Ali, the genius behind some of Bollywood’s most soul-stirring films, is all set to release ‘Highway.’ This film, as we now know, catapulted Alia Bhatt into the stratosphere of Bollywood stardom. But what if I told you that Alia wasn’t even on the radar for the role of Veera Tripathi? 😱

Yes, you heard it right! Our dearest Imtiaz initially had his heart set on casting a more mature actress. Cue the grand entrance of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Imagine the ethereal beauty of Aishwarya, sans makeup, bringing depth and authenticity to Veera’s character. Imtiaz himself spilled the beans during an interview, saying, “Aishwarya Rai without any makeup would be a great choice.” Oh, the audacity! Gasp.

But Bollywood, my friends, is nothing if not unpredictable. Fate intervened during the screening of ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’ (yes, that’s a real movie title, I kid you not). Enter Alia Bhatt, the fresh-faced, emotionally intelligent powerhouse who managed to steal Imtiaz’s attention with her genuine warmth and high EQ. “Her emotional quotient was very high, and I was drawn to talk to her,” Imtiaz confessed. One deep conversation later, filled with musings on home and society, and voilà! Alia was the new Veera.

The rest, as they say, is history. Alia brought a raw vulnerability and emotional depth to Veera’s character that even Imtiaz couldn’t have predicted. The film tells the story of Veera Tripathi, a privileged young woman who finds herself kidnapped during a highway robbery. What starts as a nightmare transforms into a journey of self-discovery, liberation, and unexpected peace. The film’s narrative, combined with the stunning landscapes of India, made it a cinematic masterpiece.

Thanks to Imtiaz’s impeccable direction and Alia’s breakout performance, ‘Highway’ became a critically acclaimed hit, further proving that sometimes, the universe just knows best. Imtiaz’s gamble paid off, and Alia’s portrayal of Veera remains one of her most celebrated roles to date.

Nisha’s Nutshell:
In the wild world of Bollywood, never say never. Sometimes, the perfect casting is just a random conversation away. And remember, darlings, even the stars need a little destiny to shine bright! 🌟✨

Stay sassy, stay curious! 💋

Tags: Imtiaz Ali, Alia Bhatt, Highway Movie, Bollywood Casting, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bollywood Drama