Birthday Special: Alia Bhatt's journey from just a star kid to winning the Best Actor Award is incredible

Alia Bhatt turns 24 today and as she continues to rule the roost, we thought of bringing to you her journey from being a 'dumb star kid' who was perhaps written off after her first movie to winning not one but two Filmfare Awards.

From playing a rich spoilt brat Shanaya Singhania to playing a Bihari migrant, Alia has certainly come a long way. Who would have thought that the 19-year-old who made her dream debut with Karan Johar's Student Of The Year would today be considered as one of the best actors in the country? 

Her Memorable Koffee Debut

As Shanaya, Alia earned the tag of a cute glam doll, however, her potential as an actor was not well conceived by critics. Even before she could be considered as a serious actor, she dug a well for herself after they made a goof up on mentor Johar's celebrity talk show Koffee with Karan. She became the poster girl for dumb memes after she failed to answer country's President name correctly. 

However, what one didn't realise was this girl is here to stay. She taught everyone to laugh at her own self. Remember All India Bakchod's Genius of the year video? It still makes our rib tickle. 

A New Actor in Making

Taking all the criticism to her stride, this rockstar proved everyone wrong in her second movie Highway. As Veera, Alia won critical as well as viewers appreciation and we knew an actor is born. 
 
Alia now started experimenting with her movie choices. From rom-com (2 States, Humpty Dumpty Ki Dulhania, Badrinath Ki Dulhania) to intense roles (Udta Punjab, Dear Zindagi), the girl set the stage on fire with her impeccable acting skills. 

That storm called Udti Alia

However, it was her role in Udta Punjab that really set her apart from her contemporaries. Her performance as a Bihari migrant trapped in the trail of the drug business in Punjab won her several acclamations including two Filmfare Awards. After Highway, Udta Punjab can clearly be called the second milestone in her career.

Alia proved herself as an actor once again after she brought the issue of mental health to dinner tables. As a messed up in head cinematographer, Kaira, Bhatt gave a nuanced performance.

Shah Rukh Khan on Koffee with Karan was all praises of his Dear Zindagi actor. "She [Alia] is too good “too soon” and instead of getting into just being a great actor, she should experience everything that the industry has to offer. I love Alia’s relentless attitude and the way she is emotional about her work," SRK said. We agree with you, King Khan!

Well, here's wishing this incredible star a Very Happy Birthday, as we hope she continues to enthrall and surprise us with her upcoming movies.