Student Of The Year directed by Karan Johar was one of the biggest films in 2012. It started the careers of three superstars we know today, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra. The then young actors made us swoon with their acting and talent, and everyone knew that they would be making it big in the industry.
On 10 years of Student Of The Year in 2022, actress Soni Razdan had shared the story behind Alia getting her first film.In an old post, she revealed that it was a phone call from casting director Shanoo Sharma that kick-started Alia’s career. The actress was busy working on her International Baccalaureate degree. Sharing a collage featuring Alia’s Shanaya Singhania from the Karan Johar directorial, Soni Razdan wrote, “My darling Shanoo Sharma, on this special day of 10 years of SOTY just want to thank you again for thinking of Alia.”
She added, “Your phone call will remain etched in my mind forever. We were about to set off on a trek the next morning when you called that night, and hesitantly asked me if Alia was at all interested in acting! And I said well eventually yes but she’s still studying. So much love to you always (heart icons).”
Shanoo Sharma was all hearts for Soni Razdan’s post. In the comments section, the casting director had written, “I didn’t know what the world was in for… but I am glad I made that call. I love you, Soni. Always have always will”.
Replying to her comment, Soni Razdan had said, “As I do you. There is a special place in my heart that is just for you.”
Along with the appreciation for Shanoo, Soni had shared a separate post and revealed that Alia Bhatt wasn’t at all planning to join films when Student Of The Year came her way. She was supposed to go to a drama school and then enter Bollywood. Sharing a montage of clips from the 2012 film, featuring Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra, Soni Razdan wrote, “Student Of The Year came out of nowhere for our baby Alia and when we least expected it! At the time Alia was busy working on her International Baccalaureate – a diploma I am so glad she could do – and acting in a movie was a distant dream… one which we were not at all prepared for… just yet.”
She had added that Alia had no plans to join films yet and wanted to go to a drama school first.
“Thank you, Karan Johar for auditioning her, and giving her a chance to work on herself before finally casting our girl. So happy she got the opportunity to do this film, and have you as her mentor, guide, best friend and yes – a second father. With immense gratitude and love, and huge congratulations and blessings always,” she had said appreciating and feeling grateful to Karan Johar for the film and his contribution in Alia’s life as a friend and a mentor.
Alia is soon going to be seen in Vasan Bala’s ‘Jigra’ along with Vedang Raina and is all geared up to start shooting for ‘Love & War’ along with her husband Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.