New Delhi:
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Highway is still remembered for the brilliant performances of Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda and not many know that the Gangubai Kathiawadi actress was not the filmmaker’s original choice for the role of Veera. In an interview with Mid-Day, the director of Chamkila said that he originally envisioned the main character as a mature woman, not a young actress like Alia. However, meeting Alia Bhatt at the screening of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana changed his mind. Imtiaz Ali said, “His emotional quotient was very high and I was drawn to talk to him.”
The director further revealed that his original vision was to cast an older actress, possibly someone like Aishwarya Rai, who he imagined would be perfect for Veera without makeup. However, he never approached anyone else after meeting Alia. “I always wanted to play a little bit older, like at least 30 years old. I didn’t want to play a more mature woman who has had the kind of experiences she was going to talk about in the film. Aishwarya Rai without any makeup would be a great choice,” she shared.
Imtiaz Ali made his directorial debut with the 2005 film Socha Na Tha. His cinema credits include hits Jab We Met, Highway, Rockstar, Chamkila, Tamasha. He has also directed projects like Jab Harry Met Sejal and Love Aaj Kal (both original and remake). Anurag Kashyap is best known for directing movies like Dev.D, Gangs Of Wasseypur (both parts), Mukkabaaz, Lust Stories, Ghost Stories, Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai, Manmarziyaan etc.
