Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt as a criminal, is without a doubt the biggest newsmaker this month. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus is based on a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s novel Mafia Queens Of Mumbai and directed by him. The trailer for the most recent film, which was released lately, was well received. When her casting was first revealed two years ago, however, such was not the case.
For the uninitiated, when Alia Bhatt was declared as Gangubai in 2019, the decision was met with opposition. Some thought she was too young to play such a larger-than-life dramatic role, while others thought she was a misfit. Alia joins Koimoi for an exclusive interview ahead of Gangubai Kathiawadi’s release. The actor discussed the backlash to her casting and how she believes public perception will shift.
Alia Bhatt, who plays Gangubai Kathiawadi in Gangubai Kathiawadi, remarked, “Yeah, people must have proposed casting.” But I don’t think anyone should get into it since a filmmaker who has been working for 25 years certainly understands who to cast in the starring role. I didn’t mind if people thought I wasn’t right for the part because it was their opinion.”
Alia Bhatt went on to say that it didn’t bother her because she trusted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me as long as the director thinks I’m the proper fit for the part,” she continued. And, as you indicated, if that perspective has changed simply from viewing the teaser, trailer, and song, then it will alter even more when you see the complete film.”
Alia Bhatt later went on to remark that this is a new take on the character. “The representation of this character is a novel perspective that sir, me, and the entire team have taken and worked on for two years,” Alia Bhatt remarked. I don’t believe there was a point of comparison because a character like this has never been in any of our Hindi films.”