'I love everything abt Kareena' - Alia Bhatt

Did you always want to act in films?
Since the time I can remember, I've wanted to be a star. As a child, I enjoyed watching Karisma Kapoor and Govinda dancing on the streets in films. And I'd wonder, 'How are they dancing here? Who gave them permission? How did they change their clothes so quickly?' Later, I realised there's much more to it. I was captivated by the idea of being an actress.

How did your first film happen?
I got a call from Dharma Productions asking for my pictures. Then I met Karan (Johar) and he asked me to audition for the role of Shanaya in Student Of The Year (SOTY). By then, Varun Dhawan (filmmaker David Dhawan's son) and Sidharth Malhotra (ex-model) were already on board. Karan told me I had to lose weight. He put me on a diet programme with fitness expert Zarine Watson. Five months later, we did a test shoot. I still remember the day when Karan gifted me this giant cup cake. I was busy gorging on it, when he told my mom (actor Soni Razdan) that he would be directing the film and wanted me for the lead role.

There have been rumours about you dating Sidharth, Varun and also a mystery boy in Bandra (Mumbai)...
My father (Mahesh Bhatt) had warned me that this would happen. I was prepared for these speculations. People are just waiting to write you off. I've got this platform at an early age. Many girls would want to be in my shoes. I don't want such false rumours to overshadow my work. I don't really care about people discussing my personal life. I'm fond of Varun and Sid but I'm not going out with either. And I have no boyfriend in Bandra. A boyfriend doesn't really fit into my scheme of things right now.

You've grown up in a filmi family so dealing with controversies must have come early…
Controversies have never affected me. The only incident that stayed with me was the Ravi Pujari incident (alleged gangster Ravi Pujari had conspired to shoot Mahesh Bhatt in 2011). Other than that I was in my own world.

What's your equation with your father?
This film brought us closer. We now have something big in common. When I was in school, he didn't even know which class I was in. He's not a parent who'd be so involved in my life. Even my mom wasn't too involved where studies were concerned. They both aren't pushy. Sometimes, dad is too intense and philosophical but whatever he says makes sense and stays with me.

Did your parents' turbulent life ever affect you?
Their characteristics have affected me but not the situations or what happened around them. For example, my father doesn't believe in God. It is something I've carried along.

How supportive were your parents about your debut?
My mother usually accompanied me on the sets. I never went to my parents and asked them to help me with my lines but I was open to advice. My mom believes, 'Less is more'. Once, while doing a romantic scene, she told me to tone down my expression. She believes in being natural. My father didn't want to know a thing about the film. He said, 'I'll go to the theatre and watch it as an audience'. Initially, I was upset but then I thought it's good as he wouldn't be biased. He's blunt and straightforward so I knew his opinion would be interesting. When the Disco dewaane song was aired, he was excited. He couldn't stop singing it. He even danced to it.

As a child, did you accompany your dad to the sets?
Yes, sometimes. But I'd get bored on the sets. I'd wonder why they took so long for one shot. I was only interested in watching the actors perform. Also, one reason I'd love going on the set was to eat the set ka khana (laughs).

Did your half-sister Pooja Bhatt give you any tips?
When people tell Pooja that I'm a younger version of her, she says, 'No, Alia is better'. She makes me feel fabulous. She says, if I turn anorexic or start dieting, she'll kill me. She warns me against being pretentious. She says one loses a lot of energy trying to be another person, so might as well be yourself. You'd rather be stupid than pretend to be intelligent. We don't discuss films as much as we discuss other things. I'm close to her.

What about your elder sister Shaheen?
Shaheen and Pooja are more protective about me than my mother. Shaheen is the only one I share everything with. Whatever happened on the movie sets every day, my experiences, I shared them all with her. I'm closest to Shaheen.

Reportedly, Pooja intends remaking Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin with you and Ranbir Kapoor.
Pooja had once mentioned that if she ever remade Dil Hai…, she'd love to make it with me and Ranbir. It would be cool because it's one of my favourite movies made by my father. It would be challenging to recreate the Aamir Khan-Pooja Bhatt magic.

What kind of movies would you love to do?
I want to take it as it comes. Look at Kareena Kapoor — she has done varied roles in Chameli, Golmaal, Jab We Met andAgent Vinod.

You love Kareena Kapoor, don't you?
Yes, everything about her. Not only her films but also her interviews, her pictures, her adas and expressions. Uff! I loveher, she's fab. I've learnt so much just by looking at her. But I don't copy her. I have my own style.

People say you share an uncanny resemblance with Kareena...
That is the biggest compliment ever. I've heard so many stories about Bebo. Everyone around her knew she wanted to be a star. And at 19, it's the same with me. I'm confident about my talent. I want to be the next superstar.