Mumbai: Actor Alia Bhatt has said that becoming a mother has brought a significant shift in the way she approaches her career, with comfort, balance and creative fulfilment now taking priority over volume and speed of work. In a recent interview, the actor reflected on how her professional choices have evolved after welcoming her daughter Raha with actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor in November 2022.
Alia and Ranbir, who tied the knot in April 2022, became parents on November 6 the same year. The couple had earlier shared screen space in Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva and are set to reunite for the second time in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated project Love & War. While fans are eagerly awaiting the film, Alia has made it clear that her priorities today are different from what they were in the early, high-paced years of her career.
Choosing comfort over speed
Speaking to The Times of India, Alia said she does not view her career in strict phases or milestones, but acknowledged that motherhood has naturally altered the pace at which she works. She explained that while her core instinct for choosing films remains unchanged, the way she structures her time and energy has shifted.
“I don’t really look at my career in phases or milestones. The way I chose films earlier is the same way I choose them now – by trying to do different things, setting myself up for new challenges, and constantly putting myself outside my comfort zone,” she said.
However, she added that the volume of work she takes on at a time has reduced significantly. “Of course, the volume and the speed at which I work now are different because I have a child. But it’s a comfortable pace, and I’m happy with it. I like doing one film at a time and giving it all my energy. Earlier, I would do two or three films simultaneously, but I don’t want to do that anymore,” Alia noted.
The actor’s comments reflect a growing trend among leading performers who are openly prioritising personal well-being and family life alongside professional commitments, particularly after major life changes.
A deeper, more personal bond with cinema
Alia also spoke about her emotional connection with films, describing cinema as a source of happiness rather than pressure. She said her relationship with the medium has expanded beyond acting, allowing her to explore creativity in different ways.
“Movies make me happy. I’m finding ways to stay connected to that magic in different ways now, not just as an actor. I’m also producing content,” she said, referring to her production banner and upcoming projects under development.
She revealed that several projects are currently in the pipeline and are expected to go on floors next year. Alia emphasised that she is closely involved in the creative process, seeing herself as a “creative producer” rather than just a financier. According to her, following instinct and intuition has always guided her decisions, and that approach remains unchanged even today.
Returning to action after motherhood
Among her upcoming projects, Alia is also part of Alpha, an all-female action drama that stars Sharvari Wagh and is set within Yash Raj Films’ expansive spy universe. Talking about performing action sequences after childbirth, the actor said the experience was both challenging and empowering.
“Doing action after having a baby was very interesting because it allowed me to see what my body is capable of. It was such a learning experience, and it gave me a lot of respect for my body,” she said.
The statement resonated with many fans, as it highlighted the physical and mental resilience required to return to demanding roles after pregnancy, especially in physically intensive genres such as action.
Love & War and future collaborations
Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, marks Alia’s second collaboration with Ranbir Kapoor and her first with the filmmaker after Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film has generated significant buzz due to its star cast and Bhansali’s reputation for visually rich, emotionally intense cinema.
While details of the film’s plot remain under wraps, industry insiders believe it will be one of the most high-profile releases of the coming year. For Alia, however, the project is just one part of a carefully curated slate rather than a packed calendar.
Balancing stardom and family life
In recent days, Alia was also spotted at the airport with Ranbir Kapoor and their daughter Raha, as the family headed out to celebrate the New Year at an undisclosed location. The sighting once again underlined the actor’s efforts to strike a balance between her public life and private moments.
Over the years, Alia Bhatt has established herself as one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile and successful actors, with performances spanning commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. Her recent reflections suggest that while ambition continues to drive her, it is now tempered by a desire for balance, comfort and meaningful engagement with her craft.
Conclusion
Alia Bhatt’s comments offer insight into how motherhood has reshaped her outlook on work, without diminishing her passion for cinema. By choosing a slower, more deliberate pace and expanding her creative roles, she appears to be redefining success on her own terms — one film, and one moment, at a time.