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Alia Bhatt Discusses Supporting Her Sister Shaheen Through Depression
Alia Bhatt, acclaimed actress known for her role in Karan Johar’s latest film, Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani (2023), has opened up about her profound relationship with her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, who has bravely discussed her long-term battle with depression. In a heartfelt discussion on the podcast “What Women Want,” hosted by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia revealed insights into how her approach to supporting Shaheen has evolved over time.
Understanding the Journey of Mental Health
Shaheen Bhatt, a writer and mental health advocate, has been transparent about her mental health struggles, which began at an early age. Alia reflected on her initial inclination to direct Shaheen towards solutions through various activities as a form of support. However, as Alia gained more understanding of mental health, she recognized that the path to handling depression is intricate and lacks immediate solutions.
A Shift in Approach
Alia explained that her support has transitioned from trying to fix the problem to simply offering her unwavering presence for Shaheen. “She has been living with it for a very long time, moving and powering through life. I have great admiration for the way she does it, but now my response to her is that I just want her to be able to talk to me,” Alia shared. This evolution reflects a deeply personal bond characterized by patience and empathy, emphasizing the importance of listening without pressure.
Future Endeavors in Film
On the cinematic front, Alia is preparing for her next major project, Alpha, which marks a significant milestone as the first female-led film in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe. Set for release on December 25, 2025, the film is directed by Shiv Rawail and stars Sharvari alongside Alia. Additionally, she is set to collaborate with her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal in another upcoming venture titled Love & War. This period of Alia’s life is particularly special as she and Ranbir welcomed their daughter Raha nearly two years ago, intertwining personal joy with her professional journey.
Currently, Alia can also be seen in Vasan Bala’s Jigra, where she stars alongside Vedang Raina. The film tells a compelling story about a protagonist striving to protect her brother and has made an impressive debut at the box office, reportedly earning Rs 4.25 crore on its opening day across various languages in India, primarily from the Hindi version. The film’s early performance indicates strong viewer engagement, with notably high occupancy rates for evening shows, according to estimates from Sacnilk.
Critics have responded favorably to Jigra, with News18 awarding it 4.6 stars. The review commended the film’s pacing and narrative engagement, highlighting a climactic jailbreak sequence that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The background score by Achint Thakkar received particular praise for enhancing the emotional weight of the story, alongside a modern rendition of “Phoolon Ka Taron Ka” that resonated deeply with viewers.
Source
www.news18.com