Alia has mentioned in various interviews that while the scene was technical, she found Sidharth to be a "good kisser" because of their frequent practice during filming. Updated Career Context
: When later asked to rank her co-stars, Alia reportedly chose Sidharth as the best kisser over others like Varun Dhawan or Arjun Kapoor.
: Their moment is cut short when Rohan Nanda (played by Varun Dhawan), Shanaya's boyfriend and Abhi's best friend, catches them. This betrayal leads to a violent fallout between the two friends and shifts the dynamics of the competition. Alia has mentioned in various interviews that while
Varun Dhawan has also had a successful career, with films like Badlapur, October, and Kalank showcasing his acting prowess. His on-screen chemistry with Alia Bhatt has been a highlight of their films together, making them one of Bollywood's most favorite on-screen pairs.
When Karan Johar’s Student of the Year hit theaters on October 19, 2012, it did more than just introduce three fresh faces to Bollywood—it signaled a new era of boldness in mainstream Hindi cinema. The film launched the careers of Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra, but one particular scene captured headlines and sparked conversations across the industry: with co-star Sidharth Malhotra. This betrayal leads to a violent fallout between
: As of early 2026, Alia Bhatt has been in the headlines for personal updates, such as her diagnosis of ADHD and Anxiety , which she discussed in June 2025 to help others cope with similar conditions .
Looking back at that scene, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the start of a superstar's journey. Alia has often spoken about the challenges of acting at such a young age. When Karan Johar’s Student of the Year hit
Rohan laughed, a genuine sound that echoed in the night air. "In your dreams, Shanaya. The race is still on."
The chemistry between Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra sparked immediate rumors of real-life romance, a common occurrence in Bollywood media cycles following intense on-screen partnerships. The sequence was widely searched and discussed online, serving as a powerful marketing asset that drove high box-office anticipation prior to the movie's theatrical premiere. The Evolution of Alia Bhatt's Career
For all the on-screen heat the scene generated, its legacy was forever colored by an off-screen revelation. Years after the film's release, Sidharth Malhotra did a retrospective interview where he shared the awkward technical realities of filming a cinematic kiss.
While the Student of the Year kiss may have been a sensational debut moment, it was just the beginning of Bhatt's fearless approach to acting. Since her debut, she has gone on to take on some of the most challenging and bold roles in Indian cinema: