Tag: alia

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Alia Shines Among Time’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ for 2024

Alia is the only Bollywood actor to feature in the Time magazine list…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and British actor with Indian roots, Dev Patel, have made it to Time magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ list for 2024.

Another prominent Indian who features in the list is Sakshi Malik, India’s only female Olympic medallist in wrestling who led the protest against the alleged sexual harassment of female grapplers by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

“Proud to be included in the 2024 #TIME100 list,” Sakshi wrote on X.

Tom Harper, the director of the streaming film ‘Heart of Stone’, Alia’s first Hollywood project, heaped praises on the actress, calling her a “truly international star”.

“Despite her fame, Alia is self-effacing and funny on sets. There is a grace to the way she goes about her work: focused, open to ideas, and willing to take creative risks. One of my favourite moments in the film came from an improvisation at the end of a take where she took the emotional thread and ran with it.

“Alia’s superpower is her ability to mix movie-star magnetism with authenticity and sensitivity. As an actor, she is luminous, and as a person, she brings the grounded assurance and creativity that make a truly international star.”

Alia is the only Bollywood actor to feature in the Time magazine list.

The other names with an India connect featured in the list include astronomer Priyamvada Natarajan, senior US Department of Energy official Jigar Shah, and chef and rights activist Asma Khan.

The also features singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, Oscar-awardee American actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Oscar-nominated actors Jeffrey Wright and Colman Domingo.

Also featured in the list are film personalities Taraji P Henson, Elliot Page, Michael J. Fox, Sofia Coppola, and Hayao Miyazaki.

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Alia,Gal Gadot shine in anticipated spy thriller ‘Heart of stone’

Harper’s own vision is a bit different, and as such is different from standard spy-thriller as he pioneers a fresh narrative approach, giving audiences a different storyline with fleshed out characters that transcend conventional heroism…reports Asian Lite News

As the Alia Bhatt and Gal Gadot starrer action spy thriller film ‘Heart of Stone’ draws closer to its release date, director Tom Harper detailed both what the film is about as well as the characters of Alia Bhatt and Gal Gadot. Speaking of Alia, Harper went on to call her a formidable and intelligent talent with great charisma.

‘Heart of Stone’ marks the ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ actress’ debut in Hollywood. Regarding her acting, Tom Harper said “We were so excited that Alia was going to join us.”

“She’s huge in the Indian film industry, but this is her first Hollywood production and full English language film. She’s a formidable talent, has great intelligence, and expert attention to detail as well as that amazing film star charisma”.

Detailing ‘Heart of Stone’, Tom Harper said, “When I first came onboard, two things really struck me about the project: firstly, it was an original movie in a genre where there are a lot of franchises that have been around for many years, and secondly it had a female lead. I thought that was really exciting.”

Talking about Gal Gadot who is also the producer of the film, he said “Gal said to me, right from the very beginning, that she wanted this character to be a powerful woman in her own right, rather than a copy of the male action hero stereotype.”

“Of course, she does do a lot of heroic things; she is a survivor, a maverick, and sometimes a rebel. But she is not alone. There is a deep care and compassion for people as the driving force of her actions.”

“It often feels that there’s one character acting in an almost God-like way, saving the world but yet disregarding the human’s around them. This is a bit different; it has a bit more of a humanistic approach. That really appealed to me.”

Harper’s own vision is a bit different, and as such is different from standard spy-thriller as he pioneers a fresh narrative approach, giving audiences a different storyline with fleshed out characters that transcend conventional heroism.

Tom also delves deeper into his artistic vision, emphasizing the creation of authentic and relatable personas that forge profound connections with viewers, because at its very core ‘Heart of Stone’ apart from being a female-led spy-thriller film is also focused on the world of AI. The movie aims to explore the damage that such a powerful piece of technological force can unleash when unchecked, particularly as that technology is advancing day by day.

As such, in ‘Heart of Stone’, Tom delves into big data, technology, and the balance between human instinct and algorithms, a conversation very much present in our world today. Harper’s vision here challenges conventions and celebrates the triumph of humanity amid high-stakes action.

Apart from its deep themes, great action and storyline, the movie also packs in a star studded cast composed of Alia Bhatt, Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. Set to release on Netflix on August 11, 2023, ‘Heart of Stone’ promises to be one exhilarating thrill ride full of action, suspense and thrills.

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Ranveer reveals why he won’t play Football with Alia

Langer then suggested that if Alia won, she would have a better and longer celebration than him. To which he replied, “Exactly. So, I’m screwed both ways.”…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood’s heartthrob and Mumbai City FC co-owner Ranbir Kapoor called his wife and actress Alia Bhatt “very competitive”, and said he would avoid playing a football match with her.

During the Mumbai City FC jersey launch, Ranbir had a candid conversation with sports anchor Mayanti Langer and revealed that the opponent he would never play against was none other than his wife Alia.

Asked who the one player was who he would never play with, he said: “She is very competitive and if I beat her, I know that I’ll be hearing about it for a long time and she’ll really sulk. So I think I would avoid playing with her.”

Langer then suggested that if Alia won, she would have a better and longer celebration than him. To which he replied, “Exactly. So, I’m screwed both ways.”

Reacting to her cousin’s answer, Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote in Instagram Stories: “The family that kicks together; sticks together! Loved the second answer, Ranbir!”

Talking about his love for football, Ranbir recounted: “I mean, it takes me back to school when I was in the fourth or fifth grade. I was pretty below average in everything I did, in studies, in dramatics.”

“But when I joined the school football team, I think that’s really where I found an identity, a personality for myself. I think sports really teaches us a lot in life.”

The 40-year-old actor added: “And I remember the first time my name came in the newspaper was because I scored a goal for Bombay Scottish for an inter-school football championship.”

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Alia is Gucci’s first Indian global brand ambassador

Gucci further commented on its social media handle that Alia Bhatt was chosen, “an an example of a creative talent fostering empowerment and self-expression within the next generation” and is recognised by the House as the latest Global Brand Ambassador.”…reports Asian Lite  ews

First it was Deepika Padukone, who was appointed as the first Indian to represent luxury giant Louis Vuitton internationally, and now Italian high-end luxury fashion house Gucci has appointed Alia Bhatt as their first Indian global ambassador.

The fashion house from Florence used Instagram to make the formal announcement with a photo and a comment stating, “Alia Bhatt is the House’s newest Global Brand Ambassador. To mark the occasion, the actress, producer and entrepreneur was captured with the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag,” read Gucci’s official social media post.

Alia Bhatt stated, “I’m honoured to represent the house of Gucci, not only in India but at a global stage. Gucci’s legacy has always inspired and intrigued me and I’m looking forward to the many sartorial milestones we create together.”

Gucci further commented on its social media handle that Alia Bhatt was chosen, “an an example of a creative talent fostering empowerment and self-expression within the next generation” and is recognised by the House as the latest Global Brand Ambassador.”

Alia will reportedly attend the fashion house Cruise 2024 show, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, next week, after being named the brand’s worldwide ambassador. The event will reportedly commemorate Gucci’s 25 years in South Korea and will be held in the city’s Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Alia will make her Hollywood debut alongside Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan in the Netflix spy thriller “Heart of Stone” on the professional front. The film will make its debut in August of this year.

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‘Our brand is inclusive in every sense of the word’

Alia Bhatt-led playwear-for-children launches 'Buy1Give1' initiative.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Ed-a-Mamma prioritizes state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques that ensure comfort and care…says Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt’s brand Ed-a-Mamma brings it one step closer to creating an ‘Ed-a-Mamma’ world by introducing its latest infant clothing. Encouraging children and their mothers to prioritise the environment, Bhatt who is the investor and founder, feels the environment has always been a top priority for her and that one owes a healthy planet to our children. The actress speaks about how the brand is getting closer to its objective of changing the world one garment at a time.

What motivated you to launch an infants’ wear collection? Why wasn’t it launched earlier, when the brand was first established?

The brand was launched with a vision to create an all-encompassing Ed-a-Mamma universe with earth-friendly products for all age groups. Our first offering is Ed-a-Mamma clothing, which we launched in the middle of the pandemic. Our strategy was to launch in April 2020, but then the lockdown was announced and the earliest we could launch was in October. Despite having the wrong merchandise launch in the wrong season, the product was really appreciated by parents. And it was this encouraging response – towards our product and its positioning – that helped us know we were on the right track.

Maternity was born out of a personal need – I struggled to find good maternity wear in India and realised a gap in my wardrobe reflected a gap in the market. After the immense love garnered by Ed-a-Mamma for its first-ever maternity and nursing collection, infant wear felt like the natural next step. Again, the decision to launch this collection was a deeply personal one.

Alia Bhatt talks about the world of Ed-a-Mamma.(photo:IANSLIFE)

As young mothers, we want to give our children the best of everything. And so, on my quest to find the best possible clothes for my baby, we embarked on the journey to create this infant wear line, which I am so happy to share with you. The idea is to build and reinforce the same narrative across the child’s journey – and there’s no better time to start than when they’re young and plant the seeds for a better planet.

What distinguishes the company’s newborn line from other brands?

Our brand is inclusive in every sense of the word. We walk the talk by using fabrics that are natural and fully biodegradable. All garments are pre-washed and tested to ensure they are pH safe for babies. Ed-a-Mamma prioritizes state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques that ensure comfort and care. The brand only uses AZO-free dyes that are safe for kids in addition to buttons and trims that are plastic and nickel free.

What about the fabrics used to make the outfit? What were the difficulties you encountered?

The Girls and Boys infant-wear ranges are 100 per cent cotton and the Unisex range is a premium line where 100 per cent GOTS-certified organic cotton is used and the graphic treatment & garment details are minimal. Sourcing the right fabrics has never been a challenge but maintaining premium quality at these affordable price points is tough.

Tell us a little more about the three themes: Jungle Joy, Cute-a-saunas, and Woodland Wonders.

Our first infant wear collection is inspired by nature. Jungle joy is an outdoor adventure, exploring all things nature. Cute-a-Sauras is all about dinosaurs, with playful, happy prints. Woodland Wonders is a personal favourite and features adorable animal graphics.

What are your thoughts on the offline space? Do you want to expand across India?

While the brand is currently available across 22 Lifestyle outlets, pan India and we’ve launched at Azorte as well. But, hopefully, we’ll be able to launch our exclusive stores later this year – a place where the kids and their parents can truly experience the world of Ed-a-Mamma. Yes, and after doing well in India, the brand is set to expand the business beyond India starting from the Middle East, where we will be available in the next 6 months.

Ed-a-mamma forays into Nature Inspired Infants’ Wear

Anything that you’ve learned or been inspired by while creating the line?

I get involved in design and communication – to ensure we’re truly maintaining the brand narrative across categories. Both maternity wear and baby wear are deeply personal for me.

The former was born out of a gap in my personal wardrobe. We then realised there was a need for comfortable yet functional nursing wear – this was something that our consumers highlighted. This is why a couple of months later, we launched a line of nursing wear.

As a young mother, I always want what’s best and safe for my baby, which is how our infant wear line came about. And just like our other products, this line is good for your baby and our planet. The environment has always been a big area of concern for me and as a mum, I am even more mindful that we owe our children a healthy planet.

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Its baby girl for Alia-Ranbir

It's A Girl! Alia-Ranbir welcome their first child into this world

The newborn child will therefore truly be the crowning glory for an eventful year for the couple…reports Asian Lite News

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor on Sunday welcomed their first child, a healthy girl, into this world. Earlier in the day, they were seen arriving at the H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon, Mumbai.

Mothers-in-law Neetu Kapor and Soni Razdan were with Alia before she was wheeled into the labour room.

Alia and Ranbir had tied the knot on April 14 at an intimate ceremony and only recently, Alia had her baby shower with friends and family members.

The couple have had a successful year with ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ sealing Alia’s well-deserved reputation as a talented actress and ‘Brahmastra’ reviving Ranbir’s flagging career graph. Alia also made news because of her Hollywood foray with the Gal Gadot-starrer Heart of Stone, set to be released in 2023,

The newborn child will therefore truly be the crowning glory for an eventful year for the couple.

In June, Alia took the world by surprise by announcing her pregnancy with a picture featuring Ranbir on her Instagram handle. She has also launched a line of maternity wear named Edamama.

What a magical girl she is

Bollywood star couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have become proud parents to a baby girl. After the delivery, Alia took to Instagram to share the news with her fans and followers.

The ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ actress shared a sketch of a lion family of three. The creative also had words written by Alia: “And in the best news of our lives — our baby is here … and what a magical girl she is (heart emoji).”

She added: “We are officially bursting with love — blessed and obsessed PARENTS!!! Love love love Alia and Ranbir.”

Alia ka Insta post.(photo:instagram)

As soon as Alia shared the news on her Instagram, her friends from the fraternity flooded her with congratulatory messages in the comments section.

TV show host Kapil Sharma wrote in the comments: “Congratulations mummy papa. This is the bestest gift of God you guys are blessed with. Lots of love to little princess, God bless your beautiful family.”

Alia and Ranbir’s ‘Brahmastra’ co-star, Mouni Roy also commented: “Heartiest congratulations Alia & Ranbir. All my love, only love for your angel.”

Shweta Bachchan Nand wrote: “Congratulations you two!!!! Happiness and health always.”

Alia was taken to the H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre at Girgaon in Mumbai around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. She went into labour around 12 noon, wth Ranbir and mothers-in-law Neetu Kapoor and Soni Razdan waiting outside.

Wishes pour in

As Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt became proud parents to a baby girl on Sunday, Bollywood celebrities showered the couple with their best wishes and congratulatory messages.

Akshay Kumar, who was most recently seen in ‘Ram Setu’, commented under Alia’s post almost immediately after becoming a mother: “Congratulations!!! @aliaabhatt, Ranbir. No bigger joy in the world than to have a daughter. Bless you all.”

Madhuri Dixit Nene, who received a lot of love for her Gujarati streaming movie ‘Maja Ma’, said: “Warmest wishes and congratulations on the birth of your sweet little baby girl.”

Ayushmann Khurrana wrote: “Heartiest congratulations.” Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, who herself welcomed her little one, son Vayu, not long ago, reacted by saying: “Congratulations darling girl! Cannot wait to see your princess.”

Riteish Deshmukh wrote: “Many many congratulations!!!!! Dearest @aliaabhatt & Ranbir – the bestest journey of your life begins today – big love.”

Earlier in the day, Alia shared the happy news on Instagram along with a sweet picture of a lion family. She wrote on the picture: “And in the best news of our lives – our baby is here… and what a magical girl she is (heart emoji). We are officially bursting with love – blessed and obsessed PARENTS!!! Love love love Alia and Ranbir.”

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Ranbir, Alia expecting first baby

She captioned the image: “Our baby .Coming soon.”…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood star couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are expecting their first bundle of joy.

Alia took to Instagram on Monday morning to share the good news with her fans and friend.

She shared a picture, where the actress is seen getting her sonography done while her husband Ranbir is seen looking at the baby on the screen.

She captioned the image: “Our baby .Coming soon.”

Alia and Ranbir’s friends from the industry such as Karan Johar, Parineeti Chopra, Rakul Preet Singh, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Tiger Shroff and Mouni Roy among many others took to the comment section to congratulate the couple.

Alia and Ranbir met on the sets of ‘Brahmastra’ in 2018 and fell in love. The two got married in April 14.

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Alia praises Neetu Kapoor’s latest film ‘JugJugg Jeeyo’

‘JugJugg Jeeyo’ revolves around marital issues, divorce, and complications in relationships…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Alia Bhatt has praised Neetu Kapoor’s latest film ‘JugJugg Jeeyo’ and has called her mother-in-law’s performance “mind-blowing”.

Alia took to her Instagram story and shared the poster of ‘JugJugg Jeeyo’ and praised her mother-in-law’s performance.

In the caption with heart emojis, she wrote: “Full on entertainer!! Laughed, cried, clapped and cheered. @neetu54 you are just mindblowing. @anilskapoor you had us laughing all the time. @varundvn you’re a star. @kiaraaliaadvani you’ve made me cryyy. @raj_a_mehta always hitting it out of the park!”

‘JugJugg Jeeyo’ revolves around marital issues, divorce, and complications in relationships.

It marks Neetu’s return to acting after nine years. She was last seen in the 2013 release ‘Besharam’ alongside her son Ranbir Kapoor and late husband Rishi Kapoor.

On the work front, Alia will next be seen in ‘Brahmastra’ opposite her husband Ranbir.

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Ranbir-Alia wedding celebration fever refuses to fade out

Ranbir and Alia began dating on the sets of Ayan Mukerji’s ‘Brahmastra’ in 2018. The first part of the trilogy is set to arrive in cinemas on September 9, 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir may have tied the knot on April 14, but the nation is still very much tailing after every bit of information and content piece from the biggest wedding of the year.

Serving a treat to her followers, Alia shared a bunch of pictures from the mehendi ceremony on her social media.

Taking to her Instagram on Saturday, Alia shared a series of pictures which show her, Ranbir, Neetu Kapoor and her friends and other wedding attendees in a celebratory spirit drenched in happiness.

She wrote in the caption, “The Mehendi was like something out of a dream. It was a day full of love, family, our beautiful best friends, a LOT of French fries, a surprise performance by the ladkewalas, Ayan playing DJ.”

She continued in the caption addressing Ranbir as, “Mr Kapoor”, “a BIG surprise organised by Mr Kapoor (my favourite artist performed my favourite songs), all followed by some happy tears and quiet, blissful moments with the love of my life. There are days and then there are days like these.”

Ranbir and Alia began dating on the sets of Ayan Mukerji’s ‘Brahmastra’ in 2018. The first part of the trilogy is set to arrive in cinemas on September 9, 2022.

Bhatt hugging son in law

The layers of celebration of the much-hyped wedding of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are unravelling slowly as after Alia’s mehendi pictures, the newly surfaced pictures show Mahesh Bhatt hugging his son-in-law Ranbir Kapoor.

Alia’s half-sister Pooja Bhatt, took to her Instagram and shared two adorable pictures of the two gentlemen hugging each other. She wrote in the caption, “Who needs words when one has the ability to listen & speak from the heart?”



Mahesh Bhatt’s son Rahul Bhatt and Ranbir’s mom Neetu Kapoor also shared some fresh photos from the most-awaited wedding of the year. In one of the pictures, Rahul can be seen massaging his dad’s foot as the latter can be seen having a downtime from the wedding celebrations.

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Alia shines in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ with flawless performance

The music, as usual, is exceptional but a bit low-key compared to SBL’s previous films. Two songs cater to the Garba audience, and they are both fabulously choreographed and picturised…reports Troy Rebeiro

(Running in Theatres); Duration: 157 minutes, Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Cast: Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Huma Qureshi, Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh, Chhaya Kadam, Mitali Jagtap, Indira Tiwari, Shantanu Maheshwari (Rating: ****)

Auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest oeuvre, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is based on the chapter, ‘The Matriarch of Kamatipura’ from the book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai – Stories of Women from the Ganglands’ authored by S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges.

This is the compelling story of Ganga Harjivandas Kathiawadi, the daughter of a barrister from Kathiawar, who with stardust in her eyes, ran away from home to become an actress only to find herself sold in the brothel of Kamathipura, a neighbourhood of Mumbai famous for flesh-trade. This film unravels Ganga’s journey from a brothel worker to an activist fighting for the rights of the sex workers. In the film, Ganga calls herself “Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi.”

While Ganga’s story is filled with pain and pathos, the narrative effortless makes the film appear like a sunshine film that motivates. “Gangubai mahaan nahin thi, woh shaitan bhi nahi thi,” and despite this, Bhansali brilliantly manages to portray her as a larger-than-life character, and you empathise with her when she puts forth her point of view regarding the women of her tribe.

The film is loaded with admirable performances from its ace star cast.

The film is an outright Alia Bhatt’s canvas where she delivers a flawless performance showcasing a gamut of emotions and her dancing skills with aplomb. She steals the show on several counts, be it while speaking to her mother over the phone, or headbutting with Raziabai (Vijay Raaz) the eunuch who is standing for the local elections, or flirting with the apprentice tailor Afshan Razak (Shantanu Maheshwari), or dancing during the Navratri celebrations where she delivers complex steps to an intense song in a seamlessly one lengthy shot.

It is impossible to take your eyes off Ajay Devgn who, in a significantly minor role as the principled mafia don Rahimlala is intense and intimidating all at the same time. Seema Pahwa, who as Sheelamaasi, the madam of the brothel, is fascinating. Similarly, Vijay Raaz as the eunuch Raziabai is enthralling, and Shantanu Maheshwari as Gangubai’s love interest Afshan Razak is charming.

Unfortunately, Huma Qureshi in a stage performance is wasted.

This engaging biopic contains all the tropes of a typical SLB film. Bhansali astutely manages to put his inimitable stamp into every frame of the film, which appears like poetry on the screen, emotionally expressive and attractive. The screenplay is water-tight and engaging, keeping you riveted to the screen for over two and a half hours. The dialogues full of wit and hard-hitting messages are fresh and worth mentioning. Sample this, when Razia challenges Gangubai before the election campaign, Gangubai tells her, “Tuje kyon tevar dikhaongi mein tuje din main tare dikhaongi.”

Mounted with brilliant production qualities the film is visually captivating with well-etched characters, resplendent sets, and period costumes. While the timelines in the film are ambiguous and blurred, it nevertheless captures the period from the mid-1950s to the 1960s, with film posters from that era, prominent among them being ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ and ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand.’

The music, as usual, is exceptional but a bit low-key compared to SBL’s previous films. Two songs cater to the Garba audience, and they are both fabulously choreographed and picturised.

Overall, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ is worth watching on the big screen.

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