With that live-wire personality and those expressive features, you wouldn't be far off the mark for saying that Bollywood chose Alia Bhatt, and not the other way round. In the years that she's spent in the business, Bhatt has claimed the big screen her own, tirelessly delivering back-to-back blockbusters.
After her debut in 2012 in Student of the Year, the sprightly 19-year-old turned around and delivered a trailblazing performance in her sophomore feature, Highway (2012). She kept the cash counter ringing with an incessant parade of commercially hit movies, including 2 States (2014) and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014), among others. But if you thought you'd seen it all, Bhatt outdid even herself in 2016: starting out with the critically acclaimed Kapoor & Sons, moving on to a gut-wrenching role in Udta Punjab and ending the year on a high note with Dear Zindagi. 2018 and 2019 saw Bhatt in roles that challenged her mettle as an actor; she played a spy in the Raazi (2018) and acted alongside Ranveer Singh in the hugely popular Gully Boy the next year. Just like her transition in the movies, she has gone from the girl-next-door to a bankable star. Not to say that she's grown out of her lively persona, but there's a new dimension evident in her beauty books, while retaining that natural, vibrant character that defines her.
Alia Bhatt's blockbuster beginnings
What started off as simple glossy lips and hair let loose messily in 2012 became more refined in 2013 as she started adding more texture to those long locks; resulting in side-swept waves and perfectly blow-dried hair. In 2014, Bhatt starting experimenting with colours—bright corals, soft pinks and toffee tones on her lips became a staple—and she matched it well with a dewy, fresh face. 2015, meanwhile, was all about adding definition to those feminine features—think beautifully bronzed skin, chiselled cheeks and structured hairdos.
Coming of age
2016 was the year of playful experimentation. She worked with accessories and imaginative hairstyles like high ponytails and braids that are nearly impossible to do by yourself. In 2017 we saw her pick even more minimalistic looks by focusing on one feature of her face; think: a stunning smoky eye or a bold bright lip. Being the overachiever that she is, she dared to go where few actors do, and traded in her silky locks for a crisp lob that she proceeded to style in a variety of textured waves and non-boring updos.
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Enjoying experimentation
As her hair grew out towards the end of 2017 and into 2018 and 2019, Bhatt began to favour ponytails with a slick front to accentuate her features. The makeup stayed simple still—dewy and clean with a heavy reliance on highlighter and bronzer. Bhatt's hairstylist played with different textures—kinkier curls, back-combed pieces and blown-out hair.
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For those days when you can't even, channel some of Bhatt's joie de vivre and simply tuck in bobby pins in geometric shapes in slicked back hair to create an instant work of art. Top off with a creamy tangerine matte, and you're good to go. Looking for a failsafe go-to to hedge your bets on? The lively 26-year-old swears by the wonders of a ponytail and tightlined eyes.
Scroll through the pictures above to follow Alia Bhatt's entire beauty transformation.
