Here in Jeddah, there is no competing against the power of Indias biggest stars.
How did you find the process of that production and the reception the film received?
you could get very comfortable where you are.
Alia BhattHandout/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Im naturally more drawn towards whatever makes me uncomfortable.
Its a way for me to compete with myself.
The experience of shooting the filming was very unique for me because I shot the film pregnant.
I was well taken care of, and it went smoothly.
I watched the film at home with my family on Netflix.
DEADLINE:There have been strikes within the Indian film industry before.
But as a Hollywood outsider, what did you think of the SAG and WGA strikes?
BHATT:Theres nothing to think.
Im always on the side of unity.
So when people come together and have any sort of united stand on anything, its great.
This particular strike was one of the longest and largest.
And the result in the end reflected nicely for both sides.
It just shows how much can be done if you all stand together.
BHATT:Of course, most definitely.
TheHeart of Stonespoke to me.
I felt I could add something to that part and film.
Thats what I will be looking for in my next steps.
And you were recently the latest Indian star to fall foul to an AI hoax.
What do you think about AI?
BHATT:Theres a lot to say.
I do feel like where theres good there can also be bad.
AI could open things up for some professions, and it could be harmful to others.
Thats what I feel.
But as we understand it better, Im sure laws will come into place to protect people.
DEADLINE:Youre joining the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe as the first female lead.
Can you tell us anything about the film?
Have you started shooting?
What can audiences expect?
Thats my answer to this one.
However, what I can say is Im very excited about what I get to film next year.
DEADLINE:Alia, with you, Indian stardom is evolving in a way it hasnt before.
Your celebrity is international.
For example, you are Guccis first ambassador in India.
Moving forward, how do you plan to use this celebrity as an actor and public figure?
BHATT:For me, any international recognition of an actor from India is recognition of India.
I dont think thats what Im personally bringing to the table.
Moving forward as an actor is very different from what I am as a celebrity.
As a celebrity, you want to be responsible.
You want to speak of the things that you believe in.
Just keep the sunshine brewing and have a heart full of love.
But as an actor, I want to play all sorts of flawed characters.
With Red Sea rising in prominence, do you feel a shift to the east in the industry?
BHATT:Over the last few years, the world has become much smaller.
Its amazing to see what the Red Sea Film Festival has managed in just its third edition.
It has attracted so much attention and focus.
Thats the way it should be.
A film festival should not be only about one particular region because film and cinema is a global medium.
Language is just one of the aspects of filmmaking.
Storytelling goes beyond language.
I believe we are living in a massive moment.
DEADLINE:What are you doing next?
Its a film calledJigra, directed by Vasan Bala, whom Im working with for the first time.
He madeMonica O My Darling, which was a massive hit on Netflix.
Im very excited about that film because its something that Ive never done before.
It has a lot of action, so Im hoping it can hit the screens next year.
