‘I was never really a big Bollywood fan...’: Alaya F admits that the industry never excited her

Alaya F says her upcoming collaboration with Hrithik Roshan feels like life coming full circle. The actor, who first became fascinated by Bollywood after watching ‘Krrish’ (2006), is now set to star in ‘Storm’ – Hrithik Roshan’s debut production venture in the web series space.

Speaking with Zoom, the ‘Srikanth’ actor shared that her interest in Hindi cinema truly began with Roshan’s superhero film. “I was never really a big Bollywood fan the way people are, growing up. But then I saw Krrish, and I think that was like a childhood-defining moment for me. Because it established two of the most favourite actors for me - I remember after that I was obsessed with Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan. I feel like that was when I really started enjoying the industry. Most people have their entry into being Bollywood buffs much earlier, but mine started there. Krrish was my initiation into Bollywood in a big way! I remember being completely in awe of him,” Alaya said.

A memorable first meeting with Hrithik

Alaya also recalled the first time she met the ‘Fighter’ actor, an encounter she still remembers vividly. “I remember my Nana [Kabir Bedi] was shooting Kites with him. My Nana wasn't used to me being very enthusiastic about anything related to the industry, but I was like, 'Oh my god, I want to meet him.' So my Nana said, 'Okay, sure,' and he took me onto the sets one day and he introduced me to Hrithik Sir. He said, ‘This is my granddaughter’. I went mute. I did not say a word. I was yapping before that and suddenly went completely quiet. My Nana urged, 'Say something.' And I did not say a word. That was my first interaction. Years later, when I met Hrithik sir now, I spoke a lot!” she said with a laugh.

Alaya joins Hrithik’s first web production

Now, years after that silent first meeting, Alaya will be part of ‘Storm’, the upcoming series produced by Hrithik Roshan. The project features an ensemble cast that includes Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, Saba Azad, Ashish Vidyarthi and Rajit Kapur.

Sharing an update on the project, Alaya revealed that filming has yet to begin. “We haven't started shooting yet. Everyone is really lovely, everyone has really great energy. They are all people that I’m extremely excited collaborating with and working with. And I’m really looking forward to the whole process. I think it’s going to be great fun,” she said.

Directed by Ajitpal Singh, best known for his critically acclaimed series ‘Tabbar’, ‘Storm’ will stream on Amazon Prime Video.