Ratna Pathak Shah criticises young actresses trying to be cute on set: ‘It just makes them bad performers’

Ratna Pathak Shah and Alia Bhatt

Veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah has always been candid about her views on the film industry. From criticising new-generation actors to calling out excessive entourage demands, she is known for never mincing her words. Ratna Pathak Shah has been an active part of the industry for over four decades. In a recent interaction, she shared how Alia Bhatt is different from other actors of her generation, even as she criticised young actresses who try to be cute on sets.

Ratna Pathak Shah praises Alia Bhatt

In a conversation with Pinkvilla, the Dhak Dhak actress praised Alia Bhatt. The two shared screen space in Kapoor & Sons. She revealed how the diva is different from other actresses of her generation. Talking about her on-set experience, Ratna said, "Bahot hi attentive hai wo, tab maine jo note kiya unke baare mein (she was very attentive). She used to be on the monitor all the time - not when she was acting, but when others were working. She observed very carefully."

Ratna noted that many young actresses try to be cute on set, thinking it will help them. She said, "She didn't talk much, which is surprising because young actresses seem to feel the need to be the cute entertainer on the set all the time. They feel that being that cutie person is going to help them. It just makes them bad performers in many cases. Not Alia."

The actor further described Bhatt as gifted and focused, and concluded, "I was very impressed by her. She kept herself very quiet. I don't think we exchanged more than a few words. We never had any scenes together, unfortunately. But I thought she was extremely gifted and focused. I liked her."

Ratna Pathak Shah's reflections come amid ongoing discussions about professionalism and generational shifts in Bollywood's workplace culture.

Alia Bhatt's upcoming movies

Talking about Alia Bhatt's work front, the actress will next be seen in Alpha with Sharvari. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the spy action thriller also features Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor in pivotal roles. She will also reunite with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love and War. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal and is set to release this year.

Meanwhile, she is also co-producing a coming-of-age romantic comedy film, Don't Be Shy, with her sister Shaheen Bhatt.