Actress Alia Bhatt, who plays a migrant Bihari labourer in Abhishek Chaubey's film “Udta Punjab”, says she was avoided on the sets of the film as she was unrecognizable in her look.
"When we started shooting, I walked on to the sets and I was avoided by all. Nobody realised that it was me. Suddenly when I spoke to Chaubey, everybody realised and took five steps back. They felt they had made a blunder," said Alia at the launch of the song “Ikk Kudi” from the film.
Composed by Amit Trivedi, "Ikk Kudi" is a slow Punjabi song that directly touches the heart. The video of the track shows Alia, who plays an aspiring hockey player, striving to get her first chance to display her talent and how she eventually gets one.
Speaking about her character, Alia said: "If a character is angry or upset or distraught, Alia doesn't have anything to do with it because it is the character. I am comfortable doing whatever my character wants me to do."
"Udta Punjab" also stars Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Productions, it is set to release on June 17.
ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT MY 'UDTA PUNJAB' ROLE MAY NOT BE TRUE: ALIA BHATT
Actress Alia Bhatt, whose role of a Bihari migrant in director Abhishek Chaubey's upcoming film "Udta Punjab" has drawn mixed reactions, says people shouldn't make assumptions before watching the film.
After the trailer of "Udta Punjab" was released, actress Neetu Chandra wrote an open letter criticising Alia and Abhishek Chaubey for carrying out typical Bihari stereotypes through the former's character in the film.
"Anybody who makes assumptions after watching the trailer, it is better to keep quiet for us. Because whatever people are assuming, especially the person in question over here, could also possibly be untrue," Alia told reporters at the launch event of the film's song "Ekk kudi" here.
"We always make assumptions before seeing the full and final project. Trailer is just a hint where film is the real content. After seeing the film, if people have the same thought then it is correct to justify. Before that we want you to wait," the "Kapoor & Sons" actress added. Chaubey also supported Alia’s opinions.
"Udta Punjab" is a neo-noir drama thriller. Co-produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, the movie tells the story of substance abuse in the Indian state of Punjab.
The film also features Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles.
"Udta Punjab" is slated for a June 17 release.