In Bollywood, where a name can become a brand and a moment of screen time can define a lifetime of stardom, the power of identity is everything. While some names carry legacies think the Khans or the Kapoors others are consciously chosen, often crafted with care, intuition, and sometimes… luck. And there’s one name that seems to be working a little extra magic in recent years: Alia.
Yes, beyond just being a name, ‘Alia’ seems to have turned into a charm one that follows a certain kind of promise, poise, and presence. And leading this unexpected trio of namesakes are three women who’ve each carved out their own space in cinema: Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani (born Alia Advani), and Alaya F (born Aalia).
Alia Bhatt:
Alia Bhatt needs no introduction. A global icon with performances that span from vulnerable to fiercely unforgettable, she has redefined what it means to be a young woman in Indian cinema. With a filmography full of bold choices and a quiet confidence that commands attention, Alia has become not just a superstar but a symbol of evolution within Bollywood itself.
Kiara Advani:
Then there’s Kiara Advani who, before entering the industry, was known as Alia Advani. Mentored by Salman Khan, she was advised to change her name to avoid confusion with the already-rising Alia Bhatt. Inspired by Priyanka Chopra’s character Kiara in Anjaana Anjaani, she chose a new screen identity. Today, Kiara is a commercial powerhouse, balancing big-banner entertainers with intimate love stories, and has emerged as one of the most bankable names in mainstream cinema.
Alaya F:
Alaya F, on the other hand, is the refreshing face of a new wave. Originally named Aalia, she modified her name to Aalia and later to Alaya on the suggestion of Karan Johar to ensure better recall and relatability with audiences. While she might be the youngest of the three, Alaya stands out for her eclectic choices, and a natural ease in front of the camera that signals both ambition and artistry.
What binds these three women isn’t just the shared sound of their names but what they represent in today’s Bollywood. Each of them reflects a different chapter of modern Indian cinema Alia Bhatt, the global standard-bearer of craft and charisma; Kiara Advani, the face of contemporary blockbusters with mass appeal; and Alaya F, the millennial moodboard of authenticity, experimentation, and edge.