Alia Bhatt Explains Why She Decided to do Udta Punjab

New Delhi: Actress Alia Bhatt has shown versatility in choosing scripts and the actress said that it was this desire to surprise the audience again that made her sign Udta Punjab.

Alia, 23, made her debut in Bollywood with 2012's Student of The Year and has featured in films like Highway, 2 States and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.

Alia said that she intends to do roles that people can't imagine her in and the character of a tough Bihari migrant in Udta Punjab is exactly that.

"What attracted me to the film was that no one would really imagine me playing this character and I found that challenging and interesting. I am very happy that this role is not similar to my previous ones. Also, the story is very important," Alia told PTI.

"Perhaps, this is a character which even I wouldn't have imagined myself doing but I have always wanted to play roles which are a bit unlike me. Not out of the box necessarily but those which people wouldn't think that I could play," said Alia.

Apart from working on getting the Bihari accent right, Alia said that she worked hard on acquiring the correct body language.

"I took a few workshops to get the right body language. Like, I move my hands and roll my eyes a lot while speaking but these people (in villages) have dead-pan expressions because they can't waste time in expressing themselves to you. They have other things to do," added Alia.

Alia also said that she learnt how to work harder while filming Udta Punjab.

"Seeing how they manage despite all the problems and tough situations, make you value your life. Besides learning things for my character, as a person I learnt that we need to be grateful and work harder because we are fortunate to lead comfortable lives," said Alia.

Alia said that the women who reside in those areas ae really inspiring.

"These women are really tough and inspiring. People say women in villages are not strong, can't do anything but they are amazing. They work, support the family and have this no-nonsense attitude, which I think is very cool," said Alia.

Alia also enjoyed working with director Abhishek Chaubey.

"It was fabulous working with him. He has this rare quality of guiding you through the journey of the film and still gives you space to try your own. That quality is not found in every director and actor. He has the right balance," said Alia.

Apart from Alia, Udta Punjab also stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.

Shahid and Alia have worked together in Shaandaar which released in 2015.

"I made sure I stay on the sets with Kareena as I love watching her on screen. She is magical in front of the camera. She is like moth to the flame. She is that fiery. It was a great learning experience to watch her," said Alia.

"Diljit and I interacted quite a bit and he is a very warm, hardworking guy. We all have worked very hard on this movie and I hope it comes out good for us," added Alia.