Alia Bhatt: “The role of a spy is not easy to play”

With a gripping trailer that reveals an interesting story, it seems Alia Bhatt will once again prove herself in the forthcoming ‘Raazi’. However by the sounds of things, it took quite a lot of preparation to get there.

“As the trailer suggests she is a daughter and a wife but is also a spy. Based in 1971, the plot revolves around this girl who falls in love with a Pakistani army officer. She goes through the struggles of rigorous training to on-field action. The role of a spy is not easy to play and this spy isn’t like a James Bond spy or any other. She has her own style and persona along with her tactics,” Deccan Chronicle reports the actress stating.

She went on to add, “This character is not a typical spy who is overconfident with lots of glamour and all that. She is just a simple young girl and by choice has put herself in this situation. She was not forced into anything. She is not like an actual action hero. She is scared and has her fears but does what is needed for her country.”

The film is based on a true story, which is why it won’t be like many other spy films that have graced the screens. Focusing on the dangers of the Punjab border, director Meghna Gulzar explained how they overcame not being able to shoot in certain locations. “Even though it’s not war time, circumstances were difficult. It’s a risky thing to be on the Punjab border even now.  were shooting in Mumbai and in Patiala, Nabha, Malerkotla and Doodhpatri which was not always easy but enjoyable,” she adds.  While the cast couldn’t go to shoot in Pakistan, that limitation didn’t stop the team from shooting the film. “Even though it was a challenge. The challenge was that we had to do a lot of research before bringing the film forward.”

Talking about how she manages to get into her characters so well, the actress explained, “You have to work on it and hone your skills. The acting comes out of the character automatically and not the person himself or herself. The process is such that you can’t take it too seriously in the sense of the character. I seek inspiration in many people for different reasons. It’s not that if they are from a different field I do not look up to them. I seek inspiration in them.”

Also starring Vicky Kaushal, ‘Raazi’ will hit the big screens this weekend.