Alia Bhatt’s 2024: A Year of Challenges, Versatility, and Milestones

In 2024, Alia Bhatt cemented her reputation as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and fearless actresses, taking on a range of roles that underscored her ability to bring intensity and depth to diverse characters. This year saw her tackle emotionally and physically demanding projects like Jigra while also stepping into ambitious, upcoming roles that highlight her commitment to constant reinvention. Here’s a detailed look at Alia’s professional journey through 2024.

1. Jigra: A Bold Step into Action and Emotion
   Alia’s first major release of 2024 was Jigra, an action-packed thriller directed by Vasan Bala. She not only starred as a fierce sister on a mission to save her brother from death row but also co-produced the film under her production banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions. While Jigra opened to mixed reviews and a modest ₹4.55 crore, Alia’s portrayal was widely praised for its raw intensity and emotional depth​.

In Jigra, Alia performed challenging action sequences and explored the protective instincts of a sister, drawing on her own personal experiences as a new mother. “The emotional core of Jigra was what drew me to the story. It was instinctive and powerful, a side of me I wanted to explore on screen,” she shared in an interview​.

Despite the film’s tepid box office response, critics and audiences alike admired her commitment to taking risks and pushing boundaries in Bollywood.

2. Love & War: A Grand Reunion with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal
   Following Jigra, Alia embarked on Love & War, a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial where she reunited with her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, and starred alongside Vicky Kaushal. This ambitious love triangle, set against the backdrop of an intense historical narrative, allowed Alia to collaborate with Bhansali once more, after their success with Gangubai Kathiawadi in 2022. In Love & War, she plays a jazz singer, adding another layer of versatility to her acting portfolio​.

The film, set to release in late 2025, has already generated immense buzz, both for its high-profile cast and Bhansali’s signature opulent style. This role allowed Alia to explore a complex character in a dramatic and emotionally charged story, reaffirming her knack for balancing mainstream appeal with challenging performances.

3. Expanding Horizons with Upcoming Projects: Jee Le Zaraa and Brahmastra 2
   Alia also kept audiences excited with updates on Jee Le Zaraa, her long-awaited road trip film with Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif. This project, directed by Farhan Akhtar, emphasizes female friendships and personal growth, following in the footsteps of films like Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Shooting for Jee Le Zaraa is set to begin later this year, and it has already become one of the most anticipated releases​.

Additionally, Alia will reprise her role as Isha in Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, alongside Ranbir Kapoor. This installment in Ayan Mukerji’s fantasy series promises to delve deeper into her character’s supernatural connections and has kept fans eagerly awaiting its 2026 release​.

4. Recognized as a Global Icon and Influence
   Beyond the big screen, Alia’s influence in 2024 extended internationally. She made headlines with her appearance at the Met Gala, where she wore a stunning custom-designed saree that resonated with fans and media alike. She was also named in the TIME 100 Most Influential People list, a testament to her impact beyond acting, acknowledging her contributions to cinema, fashion, and environmental sustainability through her brand Ed-a-Mamma​.

Her evolving role as an actor, producer, and global icon reflects her instinctive career choices and determination to break new ground. As she noted, “My career is instinctive, I don’t calculate or strategize; I go with my gut. That’s what keeps me driven and constantly moving forward”​.

5. Alia’s Approach to Her Craft and Family Balance
   Balancing a demanding career with her role as a mother to her young daughter Raha, Alia Bhatt continues to inspire. Both she and her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, share a deep commitment to their craft while managing their personal life, often discussing scripts and characters at home to support each other creatively. Alia’s journey in 2024 reflects her dedication to pursuing meaningful roles while embracing motherhood, a balance that has only deepened her portrayal of complex characters like the one in Jigra​.

Alia Bhatt’s 2024 was a year of risks, reinvention, and resilience. Her career moves this year demonstrate her refusal to settle, whether through bold productions like Jigra or complex roles in projects like Love & War. As she continues to embrace diverse roles and international recognition, Alia remains one of Bollywood’s most compelling and versatile actresses. With numerous ambitious projects on the horizon, her journey shows no signs of slowing down, marking 2024 as another remarkable chapter in her illustrious career.