Alia Bhatt: From Bollywood star to storyteller

The North News
August 30, 2026, 09:00
3 mins

Don’t Be Shy! Teases Ansh Duggal’s Charming Dhruv

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Alia Bhatt praises Ansh Duggal’s portrayal of Dhruv as innocent, sincere, and effortlessly charming ahead of the film’s Prime Video premiere.

Chandigarh, August 30

Alia Bhatt’s Bollywood journey has been remarkable, as she has grown from her debut in Student of the Year into one of Hindi cinema’s most successful and versatile actors. But it was Highway that truly changed the way many people looked at her as a performer. Her powerful and emotional portrayal in the film revealed a completely different side of her and proved that she was capable of much more than the glamorous roles audiences had seen earlier.

That journey continued through films including 2 States, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Udta Punjab, Dear Zindagi, Raazi, Gully Boy, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Brahmāstra, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Jigra.

Over the years, Bhatt has balanced mainstream success with roles that have tested her range. From intense dramas to romantic comedies and larger-than-life productions, she has remained one of the most recognisable faces of contemporary Hindi cinema.

Her personal life has also become part of her public journey. Married to actor Ranbir Kapoor, she is the mother of their daughter, Raha.

Now, Bhatt is exploring another side of the entertainment industry — filmmaking and production.

Actor Alia Bhatt has offered audiences a first glimpse of Ansh Duggal’s character Dhruv from the upcoming Prime Video original film Don’t Be Shy!, describing him as the kind of person every friend group needs.

Bhatt shared Dhruv’s character poster on Instagram and introduced him with the words, “Meet Dhruv,” accompanied by a blue heart. She described the character as “a little mysterious”, comfortable in his own skin and unexpectedly sweet.

Bhatt also praised Duggal’s performance, saying his portrayal made it easy for audiences to “fall a little bit in love” with Dhruv.

Ansh Duggal’s Dhruv Gets Alia Bhatt’s Special Praise

“There’s something so effortless about him on screen,” Bhatt wrote, highlighting Duggal’s portrayal as distinct from conventional depictions of either the “cool guy” or the romantic hero.

According to Bhatt, Dhruv’s appeal lies in his innocence and sincerity, making him appear like someone audiences could realistically know and potentially develop feelings for.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better Dhruv,” Bhatt added.

Directed by Sreeti Mukherji and produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, Don’t Be Shy! is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on September 25. The project marks another production venture for Bhatt while bringing Duggal into focus through a character positioned at the centre of the film’s youthful relationships.

The first-look poster features Duggal wearing glasses and headphones against a colourful, handmade-paper-inspired backdrop. The design includes elements such as a telephone booth, traffic signal and paper-crafted objects, reflecting the film’s youthful visual style.

The makers have not yet revealed the complete storyline or character arcs. However, Bhatt’s introduction indicates that Dhruv could play a significant role in the film’s friendship and romantic dynamics.

The film has begun drawing attention ahead of its September 25 premiere, with Duggal’s character presentation and Bhatt’s endorsement adding to curiosity surrounding the project.