Alia Bhatt wrote a special letter to her RRR director, SS Rajamouli, who is still riding high after the success of the movie in every country. The list of Time’s 100 Most Influential People for 2023 includes SS Rajamouli. Speaking about her first encounter with the director at the Baahubali 2 premiere, Alia also shared some tips she received from him.
SS Rajamouli was included in the Pioneers category of the distinguished list. In the category, he is competing for the award alongside Doja Cat, Bella Hadid, Sam Altman, Britney Schmidt, Peter Davis, Edward Reynolds, Mikaela Shiffrin, Niloofar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, Thom Browne, MrBeast, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Sam Rivera, Robin Zeng, Edward Reynolds, and Margaret Mitchell.
Alia penned down about SS Rajamouli, “The first time I met S.S. Rajamouli was at the preview of Baahubali 2. We were all extremely starstruck. And even while I was watching the movie, I was like, Oh my God, what a dream it would be to work with this director. Lo and behold, the dream came true.”
“Being directed by him in RRR was like going to school all over again. He knows the audience he’s serving. He knows what beats to hit, what turns to take. I call him the master storyteller, because he genuinely loves the flair and abandon of stories. And he brings us together. India is a massive country with diverse demographics, tastes, and culture. But he gets that—and he unites us through his movies.”
“I once asked him for advice on acting. He averred, “Whatever choice you I once asked him for advice on acting. He added, “Whatever choice you make, just do that with love. Because even if the film doesn’t work, the audience will see love in your eyes for what you’re doing,” she wraps up.
Shah Rukh Khan also appeared on the Time list under the icons category. Deepika Padukone sent him a note. In Om Shanti Om, she made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh.