'We associate modernity and progression with western garments': Karan Johar defends Alia Bhatt's sarees in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Karan Johar doesn't understand the "problem" with Alia Bhatt only wearing sarees in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', arguing it is because people only view "western garments" as a symbol of progression.
Karan Johar doesn't understand the "problem" with Alia Bhatt only wearing sarees in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'.
The actress portrays Rani in the director's latest movie and while audiences have questioned why a seemingly-modern woman insists in dressing only in the traditional garments throughout the picture, the filmmaker insisted "progression" shouldn't only be associated with "western garments".
He told Bollywood Hungama: “What is the problem? Why do we associate modernity with a western garment? I have met so many women who wear sarees so beautifully and they are so beautifully progressive and very much with the times, intelligent, well-read, well-traveled, well spoken, they wear sarees. It’s just that we associate modernity and progression with western garments."
Although Rani is seen as having studied in America, the director explained she grew up around her mother and grandmother and "those influences are very strong".
The filmmaker praised Alia for her portrayal of the character, explaining she was "very close to Rani as an individual.
He added: “She identified with Rani and therefore could portray it with the élan and perfection that she did.”
The pair previously worked together on Alia's movie debut, 2012's 'Student of the Year' but Karan admitted he has "no memory of her being like this".
Praising her "effortless" performance, he added: "Like, when did she become this great actor? [It felt like I was] directing a genius artist.
"Her real emotional and artistic launch was 'Highway' (Alia's second film) and then she hit the highway after that.
“'Student of the Year' was definitely no training ground for her because it was fluffy and lovely and song and dance but let’s be honest, the performance was in 'Highway'."
