Alia Bhatt, a prominent name in Bollywood, may be associated with glamour, but her mother, Soni Razdan, sheds light on their humble beginnings. Despite the film industry’s substance, Soni reminisces about furnishing her daughters with a typical middle-class upbringing.

Flying Economy Due to budget constraints

In a discussion with Rashmi Uchil for the book” Raising Stars,” Soni Razdan shares a memorable incident from a family trip to Dubai. Faced with budget constraints, the family could not buy three business-class tickets. Soni, realistic as ever, suggested her daughters travel in economy while she opted for first class.

A Mother’s Immolation and an Assignment in Earning

During the trip, Soni noticed her daughters facing discomfort in the economy class. Despite her suggestion to address the issue, Alia and Shaheen, showing consideration for a senior passenger, refrained from intervening. emphasised that, in hindsight, it was not a significant problem. Her decision reflected a principle: they could enjoy business class when they earned enough to go there themselves.

Middle-class Values and Financial Stability

Reflecting on their fiscal circumstances, Razdan stressed the family’s trip from a two-bedroom apartment until 2004. The living situation included a Maruti Zen, with Soni personally driving her kids to school. Financial stability only improved when Mahesh Bhatt transitioned to a producer. However, responsibilities for two households, including children from Mahesh’s previous marriage, posed additional challenges.

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Alia Bhatt’s journey in the world of cinema began with a background unfamiliar to the gaudiness and glamour associated with Bollywood. Soni Razdan, her mama, shares insight into the family’s middle-class values and the offerings made for a stable upbringing.

In a revealing conversation, Soni recalls a trip to Dubai where financial constraints mandated trip choices. The family could not buy three business-class tickets, egging Soni to suggest a realistic result—her daughters, Alia and Shaheen, in economy while she enjoyed first class.

The trip was still not without its challenges. In frugality class, the discomfort became apparent when the passenger in front reclined, leaving minimum space for the Bhatt sisters. Despite Soni’s suggestion to address the issue, Alia and Shaheen, displaying consideration for a senior passenger, chose not to intermediate. Looking back, Soni emphasises that, in retrospection, it was not a significant problem.

The decision for the daughters to travel in economy class was not just about budget constraints; it was an assignment to earn. Soni wanted them to witness the luxury of business class only when they could go there themselves. This simple yet profound principle reflected the family’s predicated values and fiscal prudence.

Soni Razdan’s reflections on their financial journey accentuate a modest life. Until 2004, the family resided in a two-bedroom apartment, and Soni herself drove her kids to school in a Maruti Zen. Financial stability saw an upturn when Mahesh Bhatt transitioned to a producer. Still, liabilities for two homes, owing to Mahesh’s previous marriage, presented fresh challenges, showcasing the family’s adaptability in navigating through financial constraints.

Alia Bhatt’s parenting, as shared by Soni Razdan, is a testament to the family’s commitment to middle-class values, financial prudence, and the understanding that luxury is earned through hard work and perseverance.