New Delhi: Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha has addressed rumours that Alia Bhatt is the most likely choice for her Disney musical about an Indian princess, which has been circulating lately. The director of 'Bend It Like Beckham' reacted via Twitter on Saturday to a fresh tidbit that said, "Alia Bhatt to star in Gurinder Chadha's next, backed by Disney?"
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the filmmaker tweeted alongside the article, “This is not true. Not sure where this started. The script is still in the works. Alia and I had a meeting about another project and I attended her charity gala recently.”
Alia Bhatt to star in Disney musical
According to a recent Mid-Day report, Alia and Gurinder Chadha are in talks for the actor to play the lead role in the Disney movie. As per the report, Alia and Gurinder first crossed paths in January of this year during the filmmaker's trip to India for the actor Aamir Khan's daughter Ira Khan's marriage to Nupur Shikhare.
A source told the portal, “The two (Alia and Gurinder) have been in talks for a while. The final casting will happen only after the script is developed, but Alia is among the top casting choices.”
“After playing a singer in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama and an undercover agent in Shiv Rawail’s movie, a Disney princess will be a great addition to Alia’s repertoire. Leading the big-budget international project will also be a step forward towards making her presence felt in Hollywood after Heart of Stone. If things fall in place, she will kick off work with Gurinder in the second half of 2025,” the source added.
Gurinder Chadha's next Disney film
Gurinder was in London last month for Alia Bhatt's Hope Gala. Alia also clicked a photo on the red carpet with Gurinder.
Meanwhile, Disney has roped in Gurinder, well-known for 'Bend It Like Beckham' (2002) and 'Bride and Prejudice' (2004), to direct an original musical, which will focus on an Indian princess.
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