Alia Bhatt birthday special: ‘Highway’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, must-watch films on OTT

As Alia Bhatt celebrates her birthday today, fans are revisiting some of the actor’s most memorable performances on streaming platforms. Ever since she made her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s ‘Student of the Year’ in 2012, Alia has steadily evolved into one of the most versatile performers of her generation. From intense dramas to light-hearted romances and powerful biographical roles, her filmography reflects impressive range and growth. With the actor also gearing up to enter the Yash Raj Films spy universe with the upcoming film ‘Alpha’, here’s a look at some of her best films that you can watch on OTT platforms.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, ‘Highway’ marked a turning point in Alia Bhatt’s career. The film follows Veera, a young woman who is abducted shortly before her wedding and unexpectedly forms a complex emotional bond with her kidnapper Mahavir, played by Randeep Hooda. Alia’s powerful monologue in the climax remains one of the most talked-about moments of the film. Stream on: Netflix

Helmed by Abhishek Chaubey, ‘Udta Punjab’ tackled the disturbing issue of drug abuse in Punjab. In the film, Alia Bhatt portrayed Bauria, also known as Mary Jane, a migrant labourer from Bihar whose aspirations of becoming a national-level hockey player collapse after tragedy strikes her family. The gritty drama also starred Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh, and received widespread praise for its intense performances. Stream on: Netflix

Directed by Gauri Shinde, ‘Dear Zindagi’ is a thoughtful coming-of-age drama. The story follows Kaira, a young cinematographer struggling with relationships and life choices. Her journey of self-discovery begins when she meets Dr. Jehangir Khan, a therapist played by Shah Rukh Khan. The film beautifully explores themes of mental health, healing and personal growth. Stream on: Netflix

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, ‘Raazi’ is a gripping spy drama inspired by real-life events. The story revolves around Sehmat, an Indian intelligence agent who marries a Pakistani army officer to secretly pass information to India during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Vicky Kaushal played her husband in the film, while Alia’s nuanced performance as a conflicted spy earned massive critical acclaim. Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Directed by Zoya Akhtar, ‘Gully Boy’ tells the inspiring journey of Murad, an aspiring rapper from Mumbai’s slums, played by Ranveer Singh. In the film, Alia Bhatt portrayed Safeena, Murad’s fiercely protective and outspoken girlfriend. Though her screen time was limited, her fiery performance made the character instantly memorable. Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

‘Darlings’ marked Alia Bhatt’s debut as a producer under her banner Eternal Sunshine Productions. Directed by Jasmeet K Reen, the dark comedy thriller explores themes of domestic abuse and revenge. Alia played Badrunissa, a woman trapped in a troubled marriage with the abusive Hamza, portrayed by Vijay Varma. The film also featured Shefali Shah in a crucial role. Stream on: Netflix

One of the most celebrated performances of her career came with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. The biographical drama narrates the life of Gangubai, a woman who was forced into the world of prostitution but eventually rose to become a powerful voice advocating for the rights of women in Mumbai’s Kamathipura. The film also featured Shantanu Maheshwari, Ajay Devgn and Vijay Raaz. Stream on: Netflix