Mahesh Bhatt is a proud father and the veteran is elated to see his daughter Alia basking in the success of Kapoor and Sons. “It is a path breaking film made by a young director (Shakun Batra). The film has a lot of creative impact. Alia was amazing in the film and did a very brave role. After watching the film, Shabana Azmi called me and congratulated me for her performance.”
This is particularly special since it comes after the debacle of Shaandaar. “I am glad that Shaandaar didn’t work. It’s good that one of her five films was a flop because it’s important for her to realise that as a 23-year-old she is a normal human being like all of us.”
The thought reflects of Bhatt’s style of parenting — not to be preachy. “I tell her certain things, give her my perspectives with whatever limited experience I have had in my life but at the same time I don’t impose my world on her,” he addsWill we see the father-daughter working together? “I will never encash on Alia’s stardom for my films. My films are a brand. I have never been dependent on any stars. My films are story-driven, but if there is any suitable story for Alia, I might cast her.”
Alia, who had been living with her parents all these years has decided to move out. How has that gone down with daddy dearest? “She is just moving across the lane. You could call it shifting but she is still nearby.”
