Imtiaz Ali Reveals Surprising Casting Choice for ‘Highway’

Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently disclosed an intriguing behind-the-scenes detail about his acclaimed film Highway (2014), revealing that Alia Bhatt, who ultimately delivered a career-defining performance as Veera, was not his first choice for the role.

In an interview with Mid-day, Ali shared that he initially envisioned casting someone older for the role of Veera, a young woman who embarks on a transformative journey after being kidnapped. Among the potential candidates, Ali mentioned the iconic Aishwarya Rai as a strong possibility, particularly for her ability to bring depth to the character without makeup. However, Ali clarified that he never formally approached anyone for the role.

Ali’s preference for an older actress stemmed from his desire to cast someone with more life experience. However, his perspective shifted after meeting Alia Bhatt. “What I was looking for was not age but emotional depth and maturity, which Alia happened to possess in abundance,” said Ali. Despite initial reservations from his team, Alia’s powerful 25-minute narration of the film convinced everyone of her suitability for the role.

Ali’s decision to cast Alia proved to be a pivotal moment in her career, as her portrayal of Veera earned widespread acclaim. The director’s latest project, Amar Singh Chamkila, continues his streak of successful ventures, solidifying his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most visionary filmmakers.