Meet actress, whose great grandfather had connection with Adolf Hitler, her mother was forced to leave the country, she is now..., her name is...
From making her debut in Karan Johar's Student of the Year and being called a product of nepotism to now becoming one of the most loved 'products of nepotism' after delivering some of the most iconic performances in Raazi, Gully Boy, and Gangubai Kathiawadi — Alia Bhatt is more than just a film industry legacy kid. Alia Bhatt's maternal bloodline holds a riveting and rather grim chapter from pre-WWII Germany
Behind the stardom, glam, and blockbuster films lies a chilling slice of history that even Alia Bhatt's most devoted fans might not know. Yes, you read it right! Her maternal bloodline holds a riveting and rather grim chapter from pre-WWII Germany.
According to a report, in an interview, Alia shared that her maternal great-grandfather, Karl Hoelzer, wasn't just a German citizen during the Adolf Hitler era—he was a rebel in hiding. As fascism swept across Europe, Hoelzer bravely ran an underground newspaper opposing Hitler's regime. It was an act that nearly cost him his life. He was arrested and imprisoned in a concentration camp, but escaped death thanks to a sharp lawyer. Forced to flee Germany, he relocated to England, where Alia's grandmother was eventually born.
Well, after a while, Alia's mother, actress Soni Razdan, added deeper context to the story. Though the family wasn't Jewish, Karl's anti-Nazi stance made him a target. Years later, that legacy of resilience would echo in Alia's cinematic portrayals of strong, defiant women.
According to the reports, Alia Bhatt's grandmother, Gertrude Hoelzer, and her mother, Soni Razdan, were forced to leave Germany in 1937 due to political persecution. Gertrude's father was an anti-Nazi activist and ran an underground newspaper against Hitler, which led the family to flee to Czechoslovakia and eventually find refuge in England as political refugees. Alia Bhatt's net worth
Today, Alia Bhatt sits on an empire. With an estimated net worth of Rs 520 crore, she's not just ruling the box office but also fashion racks. Alia Bhatt's entrepreneurial journey
Acting wasn't enough for her, and that's why she launched her very own brand, Ed-a-Mamma, which is aimed at kids and maternity wear. It soon caught the eye of Reliance Retail, which bought a 51% stake in 2023. It's a business win that hints at her ties to the Ambani circle—not surprising given her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, is close friends with Akash Ambani.
Alia's personal life has been equally headline-worthy. She married Ranbir in 2022, and the two welcomed daughter Raha later that year. But the actress is not slowing down. She's set to appear in Alpha, a new entry in the YRF Spy Universe, releasing Christmas 2025. The film also stars Sharvari Wagh, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor.
From a great-grandfather who defied a dictator to a granddaughter rewriting what stardom looks like—Alia Bhatt's journey is more layered than any film role she's ever played.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
35 minutes ago
- News18
Supreme Court Issues Notice To Karnataka For Ban On Kamal Haasan's Thug Life
Last Updated: During the film's audio launch, Kamal Haasan claimed that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil', sparking strong reactions in Karnataka. The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice on a plea challenging Karnataka's 'extra-judicial ban" on the screening of 'Thug Life' — a film by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam and superstar Kamal Haasan. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan sought responses of Karnataka's Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home) and Director General of Police in the matter and posted the petition for further hearing on Tuesday (June 17). During the film's audio launch, Kamal Haasan claimed that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil", sparking strong reactions in Karnataka. The writ petition filed by Bengaluru's M. Mahesh Reddy claimed that despite certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Karnataka government has prevented Thug Life's theatrical release through oral instructions and police interference. Advocate A. Velan, representing the petitioner, contended that such actions amounted to an unconstitutional restriction on free speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Karnataka government has completely 'capitulated" to extremist elements, who were attacking linguistic minorities and calling for the burning of theatres, submitted Velan. As per the petition, the ban stems from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threats of arson against cinema halls, incitement to large-scale communal violence targeting linguistic minorities, and a chilling call for a repeat of past anti-Tamil riots. 'This reign of intimidation is a direct, flagrant violation of the Fundamental Rights to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and to Practice any Profession (Article 19(1)(g)). More seriously, it is a calculated attack on the secular fabric and public order of the State," stated the petition. Following the row over Haasan's remarks on the origins of the Kannada language, the film's producer, Raaj Kamal Films International, had petitioned the Karnataka High Court seeking protection. However, the Karnataka HC suggested that Kamal Haasan issue an apology, but the actor-politician has refused to do so. As a result of the actor's refusal to issue an outright apology, the film's release in Karnataka has been postponed indefinitely.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Supreme Court seeks Karnataka's reply over de facto ban on Thug Life release
Supreme Court seeks Karnataka's response on plea over de facto ban on Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life release. Petition says film not screened despite having required certification Theatres allegedly facing threats over screening Thug Life in Karnataka Supreme Court asks Karnataka government to file detailed response The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Karnataka government, seeking its response to a plea alleging a de facto ban on the release of the film Thug Life, starring actor-politician Kamal Haasan, despite the film being certified and having sought police protection. A Bench comprising Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan took note of the petitioner's claim that although the film had received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it was not being permitted to screen in Karnataka due to threats of violence against theatres. The Court remarked, 'Considering the urgency shown, we issue notice to the respondent.' The petition, filed by Bengaluru resident M Mahesh Reddy, alleged that the film was facing a de facto ban due to threats from fringe organisations and the inaction of state authorities. 'The State has completely capitulated. They have joined hands with extremist elements. One of the theatres was seized while women and children were still inside! No FIR was registered. The theatre management were running for cover,' argued Advocate A Velan, representing the petitioner. The row comes in the wake of recent remarks by Kamal Haasan, who stated that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil', triggering sharp backlash and calls for a boycott of his film in Karnataka. According to the petition, after Victory Cinema in Bengaluru announced its intention to screen the film, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) President TA Narayana Gowda allegedly threatened to 'set theatres on fire' if any Haasan film was released in the State. The plea also highlights a social media post from the same period that called for a repeat of the 1991 anti-Tamil riots and warned of violence following the film's scheduled release on June 5. Despite widespread concern over the post and the alleged threats, no case has been registered so far, the petitioner informed the Court. The situation reportedly escalated when members of the KRV attempted to lay siege to Victory Cinema on June 1. Following this, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) declared a 'ban' on the film, allegedly under pressure from various groups. The petitioner further claimed that although the film's producer had approached the Karnataka High Court seeking police protection, the focus of the hearing shifted to whether Haasan ought to apologise for his past statements. The petitioner has described this development as an act of appeasement, arguing that it made the High Court route ineffective for safeguarding fundamental rights. In the High Court, Haasan declined to apologise, stating instead that he was in discussions with the KFCC on the issue. The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Karnataka government, seeking its response to a plea alleging a de facto ban on the release of the film Thug Life, starring actor-politician Kamal Haasan, despite the film being certified and having sought police protection. A Bench comprising Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan took note of the petitioner's claim that although the film had received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it was not being permitted to screen in Karnataka due to threats of violence against theatres. The Court remarked, 'Considering the urgency shown, we issue notice to the respondent.' The petition, filed by Bengaluru resident M Mahesh Reddy, alleged that the film was facing a de facto ban due to threats from fringe organisations and the inaction of state authorities. 'The State has completely capitulated. They have joined hands with extremist elements. One of the theatres was seized while women and children were still inside! No FIR was registered. The theatre management were running for cover,' argued Advocate A Velan, representing the petitioner. The row comes in the wake of recent remarks by Kamal Haasan, who stated that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil', triggering sharp backlash and calls for a boycott of his film in Karnataka. According to the petition, after Victory Cinema in Bengaluru announced its intention to screen the film, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) President TA Narayana Gowda allegedly threatened to 'set theatres on fire' if any Haasan film was released in the State. The plea also highlights a social media post from the same period that called for a repeat of the 1991 anti-Tamil riots and warned of violence following the film's scheduled release on June 5. Despite widespread concern over the post and the alleged threats, no case has been registered so far, the petitioner informed the Court. The situation reportedly escalated when members of the KRV attempted to lay siege to Victory Cinema on June 1. Following this, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) declared a 'ban' on the film, allegedly under pressure from various groups. The petitioner further claimed that although the film's producer had approached the Karnataka High Court seeking police protection, the focus of the hearing shifted to whether Haasan ought to apologise for his past statements. The petitioner has described this development as an act of appeasement, arguing that it made the High Court route ineffective for safeguarding fundamental rights. In the High Court, Haasan declined to apologise, stating instead that he was in discussions with the KFCC on the issue. Join our WhatsApp Channel
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Alia Bhatt's Childhood Photo With Paresh Rawal Is Unmissable; Check Here
Last Updated: Reportedly, the photo is from the sets of Paresh Rawal's 1997 movie Tamanna, which was directed by Alia Bhatt's father Mahesh Bhatt. An old picture of Alia Bhatt from her childhood days has surfaced on social media in which she is seen posing with actor Paresh Rawal. In the adorable photo, a cute little Alia is seen dressed in a purple lehenga choli. She is seen making faces as she sits on a stool with Paresh Rawal next to her. The Hera Pheri star is seen dressed in black and white attire. The throwback photo was recently shared on Reddit, with the caption, ' Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal with this Cuteness overload! Throwback memories! Can you guess who is she??" Soon after the picture was shared, Alia Bhatt's fans reacted to it and showered love on their favourite actress. One of the users also claimed that the photo might be from the sets of Paresh Rawal's 1997 movie Tamanna, which was directed by Alia's father, Mahesh Bhatt. 'Looks like a BTS picture from the movie Tamanna. One of the finest but underrated performances of Paresh Rawal as a transgender," the user wrote. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt recently also ruled headlines after it was reported that has finally changed her surname to 'Kapoor'. Previously, Alia, who is married to Ranbir Kapoor, had mentioned her desire to add 'Kapoor' to her name but hadn't found the time for the formalities. However, a recent still from her latest vlog seems to confirm that she has made the change. In a glimpse from her vlog, Alia was seen standing in front of a sweet welcome message in her hotel room, which addressed her as 'Dear Alia Kapoor'. This suggests that she has likely updated her name on official documents. Nevertheless, the image has sparked mixed reactions online. While some said that it is completely her personal choice, others called it a 'brand name". On the other hand, Paresh Rawal has been in the news ever since he announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3. It was said that the actor left the film due to creative differences. However, Rawal later took to his X handle and clarified, 'I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director." Later, Akshay Kumar 's production house, Cape of Good Films, has also issued a legal notice seeking Rs 25 crore in damages for Paresh Rawal's sudden exit. First Published:
