Karan Johar Thanks Imtiaz Ali for Casting Alia in Highway, Reveals Ranveer Singh Only Seeks Audience's Love

Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt starrer Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, directed by Karan Johar, was one of the biggest hits of 2023. The box office collection crossed a whopping ₹300 crore worldwide, making it one of Karan Johar’s big hits. As the year is nearing its end, Karan took to social media to express gratitude to towards his lead actors – Ranveer and Alia.

He wrote that he hadn’t directed Alia since 2012 but the day she stepped onto the set in her Rani look, he knew she was perfect for the role. He elaborated, “Before the years wraps I felt like sharing this with all of you… I hadn’t directed Alia since 2012 and the day she walked onto set In her @manishmalhotra05 plus @mickeycontractor plus #flavian look I knew we had the Rani I had always envisaged …. What followed was an actor I wasn’t prepared for…. And I can take zero credit … will always be grateful to Imtiaz ali for taking her on a highway of life and moulding her into the actor she finally became.”

A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

He also wrote about how Student of the Year was ‘technically’ her launch but her true launch as an artist will always be Highway. “Alia is such a pride and pleasure on a film set…. She had a ticking kind constantly questioning Rani and trying her best to make her strong and yet identifiable and likeable … again for that I take no credit that is her evolution as an artist! Was blessed to have her as Rani Chatterjee and I do hope her character keeps resonating …. Love you @aliaabhatt,” he added.

Speaking of Ranveer Singh, Karan wrote that he is irreplaceable. “The irreplaceable force of nature…. The actor prepares and never comes in your way … he never ever let me know the extent he was prepping to play Rocky Randhawa… he planned his prep with my team , spent months in Delhi, hung out in west Delhi, met the West Delhi gram boys , worked on his dialect like an obsessed artist ! Kept improvising dialogues till it reached perfection for him … I saw this as a bystander, a filmaker in awe and was blown away by his process ( which initially can be daunting but when you see the dailies you’re sold and he’s won your heart) I feel like the perception of RS is so different from his labour and passion as a true artist! You see designer clothes om magazine covers I see a hungry actor only seeking love and validation from his audiences! ROCKY RANDHWA and RANVEER were irreplaceable!”

He also added that no one could have done what he did.”Absolutely No one and I feel grateful for him and Alia ! The three of us also built a friendship for the ages as a trio! This is not just an appreciation post as a filmmaker but a post of gratitude to the universe that bought these blessed artists to play my leads! Karan Johar this side … signing off!” he wrote.