Alia Bhatt: Blending Cinematic Brilliance and Business Acumen

Alia Bhatt, a name synonymous with Bollywood stardom, never failed to impress us or the box office with her award-winning performances (think Highway, Raazi, Udta Punjab). With the National Award in her kitty for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, she is one of the most bankable stars in the industry. 

Let’s get into some numbers. With a reported net worth of Rs 517 crore, Alia Bhatt's earnings have showcased an upward trajectory over the years. As per The Times of India, she stands among the top-earning actresses in India, commanding fees ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore per project. As reported by DNA, her compensation for her latest theatrical venture amounted to a substantial Rs 10 crore Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

But there’s more to the actress than her filmography. While her talent and dedication have captivated audiences for years, her ventures beyond the silver screen paint a picture of a passionate and astute businesswoman.

In this blog we look into Alia's journey as an entrepreneur, exploring her ventures in fashion-tech, sustainability initiatives, and film production. 

Fashion, tech, startup and social cause  

In 2017, Alia elevated her passion for fashion by investing in the fashion-tech start-up StyleCracker, India's pioneering fashion styling platform co-owned by Dhimaan Shah and celebrity stylist Archana Walavalkar. This platform bridges the gap between style seekers and experienced stylists, offering round-the-clock styling tips. Alia's association with Walavalkar dates back to the actress’s debut film, making the investment a natural progression.

Before that in 2014, the actress demonstrated her flair for fashion by launching her first collection in collaboration with the now-defunct Jabong. The line, though inactive, featured printed trousers to demure shift dresses. It marked her entry into the fashion industry, revealing her keen sense of style and entrepreneurial spirit.

In July 2020, Alia invested ₹4.95 crore in Nykaa's parent company, FSN E-Commerce Ventures. Her savvy investment saw an impressive return of ₹54 crore by November 10, 2021, following Nykaa's successful IPO, showcasing a remarkable growth of over 1,090 times the initial investment.

Alia's love for fashion extends beyond style; it embraces environmental causes. In 2017, she initiated Coexist, an ecological and animal welfare project, followed by Mi Wardrobe is Su Wardrobe in 2018. This unique wardrobe-sharing initiative involves selling select products, with proceeds disbursed to various charitable organisations in the country, focusing on recycling and reducing textile waste. It occurs in instalments. Last year, she showcased the sarees she wore while promoting Rocky and Rani ki Prem Kahani (RARKPK) on designer Manish Malhotra’s website. The proceeds from the sale, as revealed by Bhatt, went towards ‘preventive and promotive healthcare for vulnerable women and children through SNEFA.’ Earlier, Bollywood stars Anushka Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, and Varun Dhawan contributed some of their wardrobe items to the cause.

Her commitment to sustainable ventures is inspiring as Alia invested in Phool.co in 2021 and 2022. This startup transforms floral waste into charcoal-free luxury incense products and wellness items, employing flower cycling technologies to upcycle cellulose waste. Phool.co has achieved remarkable growth, reporting a consistent 130 per cent year-on-year expansion in 2021.

Ed-a-Mamma: a Rs 150 Crore success in sustainable kidswear

Alia Bhatt stepped into the world of sustainable children’s fashion with the launch of Ed-a-Mamma in October 2020. Catering to kids aged 2–14 years, the brand has quickly become a go-to for conscious parents. Alia expressed her passion for the project, stating, "Ed-a-Mamma combines two things I care deeply about: Our planet and our children."

In the About Us page, Alia emphasises, "I decided to create a world that nurtures in children a love for nature, knowing fully well that they will look after our planet. And I plan to do this with what I know best: telling stories. Everyone loves a good story. At Ed-a-Mamma, that’s what we do – tell stories."

The brand's first offering includes a range of thoughtfully designed playwear for children, and Alia envisions Ed-a-Mamma evolving into a series of books and more, all aimed at building a conscious generation, one product at a time.

Ed-a-Mamma has quickly gained traction, with its products available on the top six digital marketplaces and the brand’s own website. From an initial 150 styles, the portfolio has expanded to feature over 800 options live on its website. Within three months of launching on Myntra, Ed-a-Mamma secured a spot among the top three brands in the kidswear category.

Alia Bhatt's venture, Ed-a-Mama, has not just made a mark in the sustainable fashion space but has also achieved significant financial success, reportedly becoming a Rs 150 crore brand. With its focus on conscious living and storytelling, Ed-a-Mamma is not just a fashion statement but a movement toward a greener and more mindful future for our little ones. Recently, Alia announced a joint venture of her clothing business with Isha Ambani. Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd signed a joint venture with Alia Bhatt’s clothing brand for almost 51% of the shares.

Producer’s bug

Joining the league of actresses turned producers (read Kriti Sanon, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor Khan), Alia  ventured into film production with her company, Eternal Sunshine Productions, in 2021. Driven by the goal to create 'happy films,' Alia has already brought three projects to life.

Her debut production, Darlings, a dark comedy featuring Alia herself alongside Shefali Shah, Roshan Mathew, and Vijay Varma, was a collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment. The movie was sold to Netflix for a reported amount of Rs 80 crore, which was released in 2022, marking  Alia's initial foray into the realm of producing.

In her upcoming project, Jigra, Alia joins forces with filmmaker Karan Johar’s Dharma Movies. Directed by Vasan Bala, known for Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, the film will be out this year and hopes to be a noteworthy addition to Alia's production journey.

Taking on diverse themes, Alia's latest project, Poachers, is a collaboration with filmmaker Richie Mehta of Delhi Crime fame. The show sheds light on the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history and features a talented cast including Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. 

Released on Amazon Prime Video last week, the series unfolds a gripping narrative that captivates audiences with its compelling storyline and stellar performances. With these ventures, the actress not only continues to shine on screen but also takes a leap into shaping engaging narratives as a producer.

Alia Bhatt's journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to her multifaceted personality. From understanding fashion trends to advocating for sustainability, taking control of her creative narrative, and supporting innovative ventures like Phool.co, she demonstrates a keen business acumen alongside her artistic talent. As she continues to scale new heights in the film industry, her entrepreneurial ventures promise to leave a lasting mark, inspiring aspiring actors and entrepreneurs alike.