Not trying to look like a versatile actor, says Alia Bhatt

Whether it's her stylish demeanour in "Student of the Year" or rugged 'desi' avatar in "Udta Punjab", Alia Bhatt has time and again shown her range as an actor. She says choosing different roles is a question of challenging herself and not about proving her versatility.

Alia told IANS here: "I truly believe that stardom comes with a great amount of work behind you. In technical terms, it comes with a body of work. As an actor, I am glad I am able to perform versatile roles."

"It's a conscious effort to do so, but I am not trying to look like a versatile actor. I just want to challenge myself. I have to do different things and experiment," she added.

Alia, who made her debut with "Student Of The Year", was also appreciated in subsequent projects like "Highway", "2 States", "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" and "Kapoor & Sons". Her role as a victim of the drug menace in "Udta Punjab" is also worth a mention.

Her next project "Dear Zindagi" sees her in a fresh avatar with superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"Every actor looks forward to work with him. It's a dream come true for every actor. I am all the more happy because this is the kind of film for both of us to do together which is so unique and interesting."

"We have not seen this genre before, and I am most excited to see how people react," said the actress, who plays an an aspiring filmmaker on the lookout for unanswered questions, in the film.

The Gauri Shinde directorial, described as a slice-of-life film, also features Ali Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor and Angad Bedi.