Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has offered a rare and insightful glimpse into the professional journey of his daughter, acclaimed actor Alia Bhatt. While celebrating her National Award win for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and her consistent growth, Bhatt revealed he once urged her to look towards legendary actor Meryl Streep to understand the true depth of the craft.
A Father's Candid Advice and Admiration
In a recent conversation with Humans of Bombay, Mahesh Bhatt reflected on Alia's dedication, which remains fierce even after motherhood. "She has astounded me; I didn't think she was capable of this," he admitted, pointing to her powerful performances in films like 'Highway' and 'Udta Punjab'. His admiration for Streep led to pivotal advice for his daughter. "I am a great admirer of Meryl Streep, and I told Alia, 'Go and see her work, and you'll realise you have not even scratched the surface,'" Bhatt recalled. This guidance underscores a philosophy of lifelong learning and seeking inspiration from global icons.
Redefining Motherhood in the Spotlight
Bhatt also spoke extensively about how Alia seamlessly integrates her thriving career with her roles as a wife to Ranbir Kapoor and a mother to their daughter, Raha. He highlighted her ability to scale professional heights post-marriage and childbirth, citing her attendance at a Gucci event in Milan with her baby. A recent advertisement shoot with Amitabh Bachchan provided a touching detail: a dedicated vanity van was set up as a nursery for Raha. "It almost looked like a temple," Bhatt described, choosing not to 'contaminate' the space. He sees this as emblematic of the new-age heroine who works, parents, and manages global commitments without compromise.
The Societal Shift Towards Role Integration
This public acknowledgment from a father and filmmaker points to a broader societal change. Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani, in analysis with indianexpress.com, states that this reflects a significant shift from patriarchal norms that confined women to caregiving roles. Psychologically, it champions 'role integration' over 'role conflict,' where maternal and professional identities coexist harmoniously. Sociologically, the visibility of successful working mothers in influential industries like Bollywood helps dismantle traditional gender expectations and redefines what is considered normal.
Gurnani further explains that such visibility normalises maternal mobility and demonstrates that attachment and ambition can coexist. This observational influence is powerful in shaping cultural attitudes, encouraging co-parenting, shared caregiving, and better institutional support systems in India. For professionals, seeking inspiration from masters like Streep fosters a growth mindset, preventing cognitive stagnation and enabling sustained artistic evolution.
Alia Bhatt's journey, as framed by her father's observations, thus becomes more than a personal success story. It stands as a contemporary case study in balancing excellence in art with modern parenting, challenging old paradigms and inspiring a generation.
