Alia Bhatt on bringing up daughter Raha: I don't want her to be any version of herself that she doesn't feel most comfortable with

Ranbir, Raha and Alia

Alia Bhatt, renowned for her acting prowess and now embracing roles as an entrepreneur and mother, recently shared insights about her journey, aspirations, and the legacy she aims to create for her daughter, Raha. In an interview with HT, Alia delved into her approach to motherhood, the values she holds dear, and her ambitions in the world of storytelling and children's literature.

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Alia welcomed Raha in November 2022, choosing to shield her from the public eye initially and officially introducing her to the media on Christmas in 2023. This decision reflects Alia's desire to give her daughter a grounded upbringing, away from the relentless scrutiny of the paparazzi. In the interview, Alia emphasized the importance of trusting her instincts as a mother. She believes that every child is born with a unique personality and that it's essential to nurture and support them in finding their own path.

"I do believe children are born with their own personality. You just have to nurture and care for them and let them find their own feet. Let them be their own person. I don't think I want her (Raha) to ever be any version of herself that she doesn't feel most comfortable with," Alia shared. This philosophy underpins Alia's approach to raising Raha, ensuring that her daughter feels confident and supported in being her true self.

Alia's commitment to building a meaningful legacy for Raha extends beyond her parenting style. She has ventured into the entrepreneurial world with her apparel brand, Ed-a-Mamma, which she founded in 2020. This brand, aimed at promoting sustainable fashion for children, marks Alia's foray into entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for environmental conservation and children's welfare.

Adding another feather to her cap, Alia has recently launched her first children's picture book, "Ed Finds a Home." This book, part of a new series of stories from the universe, aims to inspire a love for nature in young readers. Alia's transition into storytelling was a natural progression, fueled by her desire to create impactful narratives that resonate with children and adults alike.

Talking about her new venture, Alia said, "The book actually started way back, way prior to the pandemic. It dates back to when I started the initiative of Coexist with an endeavor to encourage positive relationships between man and planet... I realized that my main focus in life will always be to tell stories. And I thought it is important to start with a simple impactful story for kids, which consume when you're very young."

On the professional front, Alia continues to make significant strides in the film industry. She is set to play a super agent in the first female-led movie from YRF Spy Universe, directed by Shiv Rawail. This role is a testament to her versatility as an actor, taking on diverse characters that challenge her and allow her to explore different facets of her talent.

Alia's approach to selecting films is equally thoughtful. She revealed, "I do have certain values. I may not necessarily play that in every character because I feel what you do as a character and as an actor is very different as to what choices you make as an individual in your real life. That's the magic and fun of movie making."

Reflecting on her career and the choices she makes, Alia shared that the themes she gravitates towards are often instinctive rather than calculated. "I'm picking up different themes that I naturally get attracted to. Sometimes I pick up a film which I don't understand. Because that's something that I find very fascinating. So, it is not calculated," she explained.

Alia's aspirations for the legacy she wants to leave behind are deeply personal and thoughtful. Drawing an analogy, she said, "Like, when you think of Shah Rukh Khan, you think of love, a smile comes on your face and your heart gets full... That can't be calculated. It's just felt."