Ratna Pathak Shah says Alia Bhatt stood apart: 'Young actresses feel the need to be the cute entertainer…'

Veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah, known for her candid views on the film industry, recently offered both criticism and praise. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, the actress, with a career spanning over four decades in cinema, theatre, and television, discussed the working styles of younger actors, emphasizing how one co-star differed from what she perceives as a prevailing trend.

Ratna Pathak talks about the pattern she has observed among new comers

Reflecting on her industry experience, Ratna observed that many young actresses seem focused on maintaining a specific on-set image, which she believes can sometimes overshadow their craft. However, she highlighted Alia Bhatt as an exception, recalling their collaboration on Kapoor & Sons. The veteran actor praised Bhatt's attentiveness and focus, finding it particularly impressive.

"She was very attentive; that's what I noticed about her," Ratna said. "She used to be on the monitor all the time. Not when she was acting, but when others were working. She observed very carefully." Expanding on her observations, Ratna contrasted Bhatt's approach with a broader pattern she's seen among newcomers. "She didn't talk much, which is surprising because young actresses seem to feel the need to be the cute entertainer on the set all the time. They feel that being that cutie person is going to help them. It just makes them bad performers in many cases. Not Alia," she added.

Ratna praises Alia Bhatt

The actor further described Bhatt as disciplined and naturally talented, emphasizing that her impression came not from lengthy conversations but from quietly observing her work ethic. "I was very impressed by her. She kept herself very quiet. I don't think we exchanged more than a few words. We never had any scenes together unfortunately. But I thought she was extremely gifted and focused. I liked her," she concluded.

Ratna Pathak’s work front

Ratna Pathak Shah's reflections come amidst ongoing discussions about professionalism, image-building, and generational shifts in Bollywood's workplace culture. With a diverse filmography including titles like Mandi, Mirch Masala, Kapoor & Sons, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Thappad, and Dhak Dhak, she continues to offer perspective shaped by decades of experience.