By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Aalia Bhatt starrer “Gangubai Kathiawadi”, surprised many on the opening day of its release, grossing more than 10.5 crore, thereby setting a new record. The other female-centric film which did exceedingly well include the likes of “Tanu Weds Manu”, “The Dirty picture” (2011), “Mary Kom” (2014), “Lipstick Under My Burkha” ,(2017) “Veere Di Wedding” & “Raazi” (2018).
Meghna Gulzar directed “Raazi” featuring Aalia Bhatt & Vicky Kaushal has already entered into the 100 Crore Club and is nearing the 200 Crore mark while Sonam and Kareena Kapoor starrer “Veere Di Wedding’ is also doing exceedingly well.
The film under reference, “Gangubai Kathiawadi”, was made on a grand scale by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali ( of ‘Bajirao Mastani’ & ‘Padmaavat’ fame) & a huge set of Kamathipura was especially erected for a hassle – free shooting. The film is based on “Mafia Queens of Mumbai” written by S. Hussain Zaidi . Kamathipura is the famous ‘Red light district’ in Bombay also known as Grant Road with a few thousand sex workers still operating. At one time they numbered more than 40000. Aalia Bhatt plays a female mafia don and madam of a brothel in Kamathipura who ruled in the 1960s. Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz , Ajay Devgan, Huma Qureshi form part of the movie.
The loveliness personified svelte actress, who is also my FB friend ,had earlier revealed that she was under duress during the making of “Udta Punjab”.In her words ‘it was the hardest role’. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Dear Zindagi, Welcome to New York & Kalank are her other films.
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Born to director Mahesh Bhatt ( Naam, Aashiqui, Saraansh) & Soni Razdan” (36 Chowringhee Lane, Saraansh, Raazi, Mandi), Aalia Bhatt started her film career playing the lead in “Student of the Year” (2012) followed by roles in Highway, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Shaandaar, Kapoor & Sons & Udta Punjab.
Bestowed with four Filmfare Best Actress Awards for Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi & Gully Boy. She also graced the Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list .
