2 States: Why Alia Bhatt has more to her than the 'Bhatt' tag

New Delhi: One wouldn't have thought much of Alia Bhatt's acting prowess if one had judged her debut performance in the ostentatious college romance 'Student Of The Year' back in 2012. She played a rich brat who wore Prada and Gucci to a make believe college created by Karan Johar and who occasionally pouted when she was ignored by her on screen boyfriend played by Varun Dhawan.

While SOTY launched a fresh face in the film industry, many were quick to judge her another star kid trying to make a living out of acting. Many even scorned at the fact that "how young" she was and indulged in jokes about how Alia should be in school finishing her studies instead of becoming a heroine.

But in a short span of time, with three films neatly tucked under belt, Alia has managed to defy the stereotype and surprise all her critics with her sheer talent. In her second film, Imtiaz Ali's 'Highway', Alia played a diametrically different role than her debut film. The character had complex layers to it and despite her age, Alia provided an extremely matured, restrained act. Due to the complexity of the character, it was easy to go over the top, but the young actress managed to stupefy her fans as well as cynics who scoffed at her and labeled her as another star-kid.

In her latest film, '2 States', Mahesh Bhatt's youngest child has once again proved that she is not someone to be written off that easily. Sure, due to her lineage (father Mahesh Bhatt is a well known filmmaker, mother Soni Razadaan is an actress) she did manage to bag films with prestigious banners in the film industry, but clearly being a Bhatt isn't the only reason that directors are now showing eagerness to sign her up for films.

As the vivacious, strong-headed Ananya in '2 States', Alia Bhatt made the character completely her own. The pretty actress made the part look effortless and was absolutely charming in the role. She fit into the Tam-Brahm girl fresh out of IIM with absolute ease. While the film may have been a typical Bollywood romance with nothing new to offer, it was Aliya's performance which stood out and gave the film a much needed freshness.

Along with Kareena Kapoor (who is often compared to), Ranbir Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Konkana Sen Sharma, Alia Bhatt is part of the rare breed of star kids who may have got opportunities in abundance in the film industry but have also proved that they have talent to survive in Bollywood- a place where each day talented people are waiting to take over a star's place.

Take a bow Alia, for you have smitten us again with your talent, vivacity and that cute dimpled smile.