Not Alia Bhatt, but Aishwarya Rai was Imtiaz Ali’s first choice for Highway—here’s what changed his mind

Imagine Aishwarya Rai, sans makeup, delivering heart-wrenching monologues against the rugged backdrop of India’s countryside. That’s the Highway Imtiaz Ali had initially envisioned before Alia Bhatt entered the scene. Yes, you read that right—the filmmaker’s first choice for the 2014 indie gem wasn’t the then-newcomer Alia but Bollywood’s timeless beauty, Aishwarya Rai.

Not Alia Bhatt but Aishwarya Rai was the first choice for Highway

When Highway was released, it wasn’t just a film; it was a revelation. Alia’s portrayal of Veera, a kidnapped young woman who finds freedom in the most unexpected circumstances, stunned critics and audiences alike. But behind this casting decision was a story of unpredictability, intuition, and a sprinkle of Bollywood magic.

Imtiaz Ali, known for creating deeply emotional and layered characters, revealed in an interview with Mid-Day that he initially wanted to cast an older actress for Veera. “Aishwarya Rai, without any makeup, would have been a great choice,” he admitted. The director’s vision was to have someone who brought the depth of lived experiences to the role—a woman whose maturity would resonate with Veera’s emotional journey.

Why Alia Bhatt?

However, fate had other plans. During a screening of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Imtiaz met Alia Bhatt and was struck by her emotional intensity. “Her emotional quotient was very high,” he later said, explaining how their conversation made him rethink his original choice. Despite industry doubts—after all, Alia was fresh off her glamorous debut in Student of the Year—Imtiaz decided to take a chance.

The gamble wasn’t without its challenges. Even the film’s unit wasn’t convinced Alia could pull off such a demanding role. To ease their skepticism, Imtiaz had Alia narrate the film’s story in her own words. By the end of her heartfelt rendition, the crew was sold. The rest, as they say, is cinematic history.

Alia Bhatt's performance

While Aishwarya Rai’s version of Highway will remain a “what if” for Bollywood dreamers, Alia’s performance redefined her career and cemented her place as one of the most versatile actors of her generation.

As for Imtiaz Ali, his instinct paid off. Highway became a beloved classic, not just for its stunning visuals and soulful music but also for the raw vulnerability Alia brought to Veera’s character. One can only wonder how different—and equally intriguing—the film might have been with Aishwarya in the driver’s seat.

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