Posted:
Some people still think I did Genius of the Year video for publicity-Alia Bhatt
8:12 AM
Posted by Fenil Seta
Alia Bhatt on the 'Genius' video and how it changed her public image.
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 1, 2014)
The Genius of the Year video is seen as a brilliant publicity gimmick. Whose brainwave was it?
The All India Bakchod Group came up with the idea: Who is Alia Bhatt? I was game. Karan (Johar) found it really funny; Arjun (Kapoor) and Parineeti (Chopra) sportingly joined in. Everybody wanted to have fun.
Do you still consult Karan on every offer?
Yes, and so far we have been in agreement.
The video starts with your faux pas on the KJo's chat show (When asked to name the President of India, Alia had replied Prithviraj Chauhan). Weren't you afraid the video could backfire?
You can't take yourself so seriously. I'm not over-sensitive and am ready to laugh at myself. You can't always work for money and praise. I only take offense if someone gets personal or makes fun of my near and dear ones.
Did it surprise you that your public image changed after the video?
Yeah, it's quite funny but it did. But some people still feel I did it for publicity. Kya karein?
Today, you seem to be a step ahead of your contemporaries
Aisa kuch nahi hai, I'm just four films old. And for the next one year I won't be in seen on screen because Vikas Bahl's Shaandaar with Shahid (Kapoor) and Ayan Mukerji's superhero film with Ranbir are a long way off. I have to keep my head on my shoulders
Superhero films hardly have any scope for the leading lady...
Ayan's Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani had quite a bit for the heroine. I think i have answered your question (laughs)
Recently, Sonam said that she had auditioned you at SLB's office when she was assisting him?
Yes, I had auditioned for Black. I was just 11 then. I didn't know Sonam was Anil Kapoor's daughter. Ranbir too was there and I didn't know he was was Rishi Kapoor's son
Highway didn't do too well at the BO. Disappointed?
Even I am bemused with this. Indians watch films for entertainment and don't invest in them emotionally. I'm very proud of Highway. I wouldn't like any of my film to make Rs 60 crore in three days and then be forgotten.
Are you moving into your own home soon?
My parents have given me a comfortable home and their presence is very important in my life. I will move out someday. Staying alone makes you more responsible. However, I wouldn't like to stay too far from them.
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