Alia Bhatt on her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor: I feel butterflies, it feels good and peaceful

Alia Bhatt who turned 26 this year tells us exclusively that while her journey as an actor has been amazing, this year is all about relishing the simple joys of life. Although she is not going to spill the beans on her year-old relationship with Ranbir Kapoor, she says it’s a relationship that gives her “butterflies in the stomach.” Despite rumours of them having lovers’ tiffs at film screenings, she admits their bond is getting stronger every day. Excerpts from our interview:

In October this year, you will complete seven years as an actor. How would you describe your journey?

It’s not easy for me to describe my journey, honestly. I’m still carving my path and understanding various aspects of this journey. I have definitely learnt a lot. I have met some beautiful people and great creative minds in these years. My experiences (with them) have led me to become a mature individual and a better actor.

You have grown tremendously on screen with every film. How do you work on your craft as an actor?

The reason I may come across as an artiste who has grown from one film to the other is because of the range of characters I have played in my films. Luckily, these roles were written (for me) and offered to me, and I can only take the credit of making the right choices. It was while essaying these characters that I have become better at my craft. The Box Office success of Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi was a big deal for me, and very satisfying. I was so grateful that people watched it in the theatres. I was more relaxed while filming for Gully Boy because the entire film was not resting on my shoulders.

You were born to a filmmaker father and an actor mother. You’ve had a fairly privileged upbringing. How do you essay characters that belong to the working class of society so effortlessly?

I’m a director’s actor. Zoya (Akhtar) and I did workshops for Gully Boy to understand Safeena’s family, the parents she is born to, the house where she lives, her state of mind, and her language and expression. I have also worked with directors who have given me a brief outline and we have discovered the character on the set. Both approaches work well in my opinion.

What inspires you today?

Real moments and conversations with real people inspire me. Sometimes, we are so caught up with our lives as actors, we miss out on life’s best moments when it’s playing out. Sometimes it’s important to look outside of an actor’s life. I listen to music, read a book and spend time with family and friends who are not from the film industry. Earlier, I used to find it strange to be with myself, but today, I look forward to spending quiet moments with myself. It’s important to be with yourself. This is something I have seen in my sister too. Shaheen is away in London, and studying interior designing and also pursuing her writing.

What is that one thing you did last year that you have never done before?

I prepared and shot for my first action film, Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, last year. The wire work was all new for me. I hurt myself while shooting, but it was a lot of fun.

With Shaheen away in London, you’re also managing your home and pets. Is that something you enjoy?

Women are good at multi-tasking. I take care of my house, work commitments and myself. My cat Edward is self-sufficient. He is on his own through the day. My house keeper Carol looks after him when I’m not at home. I hang out with him at night once I’m home. He sleeps with me. I have also bought an office space in the same building where I live, and I’m doing up my office at the moment.

Can you cook?

My mother is a great cook, and learning cooking from her is something on my bucket list.

You also found love last year. Has that enriched you as an individual?

How sweet! I don’t like talking about it because it’s personal but definitely there has been a change in my mindset. It feels good and peaceful (to be in a relationship). At the same time, I feel butterflies in my stomach [smiles].

Your cousin Sakshi Bhatt recently got married. Were there conversations of your wedding at the wedding celebrations?

I don’t know why people have been asking me if I’m getting married any time soon. Maybe because of the recent string of weddings (in Bollywood). It could be that I’m giving the vibe ki shaadi karni hain (that I want to get married) [laughs].

From what we hear, your Gully Boy co-star Ranveer Singh wants to star in an epic drama with you soon. Is that true?

We have discussed this, we are going to do a big film together. Ranveer’s passion, craft and energy is worthy of emulation and we really get along well. It is so nice that we share this beautiful warm creative energy.

Since you have shot with both, Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor last year, how similar or different are they as actors?

Ranbir and Ranveer are both fabulous, but very different from each other. They have their own distinct approach and style. Ranbir is the easiest person I have met on a film set. I thought I was easy, he is 6000 times easier. There is only goodness when you see him on camera, which is why people have so much warmth and love for him.

You move on to filming for your father Mahesh Bhatt’s film, Sadak 2. How excited are you both?

You know how excited he is and it is truly a new beginning for him. My father is kind of erupting with energy right now, and can’t wait to be on set. Our relationship as father and daughter is only going to get stronger.