When Mahesh Bhatt Pushed Alia to Confront Her Panic Before ‘Student of the Year’ Debut
Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, known for her powerful performances in films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Brahmastra, and Darlings, has come a long way since her debut in Student of the Year. But few know about the panic attack she experienced just before starting her first film. Recently, in a candid interview with Karan Thapar on India Today, Alia shared this emotional incident involving her father, renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
Alia’s First Panic Attack: A Surprising Response from Mahesh Bhatt
Alia revealed that she was overwhelmed with anxiety a day before her first shoot for Student of the Year. She called her father, Mahesh Bhatt, seeking comfort, hoping for a reassuring hug or soothing words. But what Mahesh did next left her shocked. Instead of comforting her, he took her to a room with eight people and asked her to explain how she was feeling.
Alia’s Reaction to Her Father’s Unusual Method
Alia, confused and distressed, asked her father why he was making her do this. In response, Mahesh Bhatt simply told her to “stop it.” Despite her initial discomfort, she followed his instructions and later realized that his approach had actually helped calm her nerves. Reflecting on the incident, Alia shared, “I started feeling good after that. It worked.”
Emraan Hashmi’s Encouragement and Mahesh Bhatt’s Philosophy
At the time, Emraan Hashmi was also present, and he shared some wisdom with Alia. He reassured her, saying, “You’ll feel this way before every film and every shot.” This advice prepared Alia for the challenges ahead in her acting career.
What stands out is Mahesh Bhatt’s unconventional approach to parenting. Unlike most fathers who shelter their children from failure, Mahesh encouraged Alia to embrace it. He would often tell her, “You must fail. If you don’t fail, I will be angry with you.” According to Alia, her father celebrated her failures, helping her see them not as setbacks but as opportunities to grow.
Mahesh Bhatt’s Unique Lessons on Failure
Alia fondly recalled how Mahesh Bhatt would never pressure her to excel academically or do well in school. Instead, he focused on the importance of failure in shaping success. This philosophy left a lasting impact on Alia, making her fearless in the face of challenges.
As Alia gears up for her upcoming movie Jigra, where she will share the screen with Vedang Raina, it’s evident that the life lessons from her father have played a significant role in shaping her confidence and resilience.
