Imtiaz Ali has his 'eyes on' Alia Bhatt, hints at reunion after Highway
Imtiaz Ali has hinted at working with Alia Bhatt again more than a decade after Highway. The remark has revived interest in the film that reshaped her career and remains a key title in his body of work.
Imtiaz Ali and Alia Bhatt created one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable actor-director collaborations with Highway. Though the duo has worked together on only one film so far, the 2014 road drama remains a landmark in both their careers. The film redefined Alia’s trajectory as a performer and further cemented Imtiaz’s reputation for crafting emotionally layered characters. More than a decade later, the filmmaker has now hinted that another collaboration may not be entirely off the table.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, when asked when audiences might see them collaborate again, Imtiaz responded with a laugh, “Now I saw her recently, and I think she’s looking very beautiful. So, I have my eyes on her again.” He also said that, as a director, he has always been eager to work with actors like Alia Bhatt.
While the filmmaker did not reveal whether another project with Alia Bhatt is currently being discussed, his comments revisit the impact of Highway on both their careers. Released in 2014, the film marked an important turning point for Alia as an actor. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Highway explored themes of trauma, freedom and self-discovery through the character of Veera. At the time, Alia was still closely associated with her glamorous debut image after Student of the Year, and her performance in Highway helped establish her as a serious performer in the industry.
The film also became an important chapter in Imtiaz Ali’s filmography. Known for emotionally layered narratives in films like Jab We Met, Rockstar and Tamasha, the director found in Alia an actor capable of carrying emotional vulnerability with striking authenticity. Even today, Highway continues to resonate with younger audiences discovering the film through streaming platforms.
On the work front, Imtiaz Ali is set to release Main Vaapas Aaounga, starring Sharvari Wagh, Vedang Raina, Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt has a packed slate ahead with Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War.