Celesti Bairagey grew in popularity when her videos looking exactly like Alia Bhatt went viral a few years back. She has since then become a sensation in herself. From being a lookalike to making her foray into the film and television industry, Celesti Bairagey has come a long way.
Talking to Prateek Sur, Celesti Bairagey opens up about her strikingly similar looks to Alia Bhatt, the overnight stardom, leaving her career plans to turn towards the film and television industry and lots more. Excerpts:
You became famous as Alia Bhatt's look alike. How did you get to know about your sudden popularity? Who told you that this has happened or did you find out on your own suddenly going viral one morning? What's the story there?
I was actually shooting for a web film in Assam when I got to know that my reel had gone viral. I was travelling from my place to Guwahati and my phone was in flight mode and I had no idea that my video had gone viral. My masi called me up and told me about my viral reel.
Before this sudden popularity on social media, did anyone else ever tell you that you looked like Alia Bhatt?
Yes, people from my school and college used to tell me that I resemble Alia a lot and I used to blush because she is very cute and my favourite actor too.
Did that sudden fame change your plans for life or were you always going to become an actress?
I always wanted to be a professor of English Literature. I was working in the Assam industry. Acting was always an evident part of me but for a career option, I was considering being a professor and I worked really hard for it. ‘Rajjo’ changed my life.
Alia Bhatt is very prompt on social media. She reverts to a lot of her lookalikes or even influencers who mimic her voice. Did you ever get any reverts from Alia Bhatt? Or any other celebrity close to her?
No, I haven't got any reverts. I haven’t gotten in touch with Alia Bhatt in any way but I am so hopeful that one fine day I would get to meet her.
How has life changed for you after the sudden burst of fame? Do you get recognised on streets and markets quite often?
Life has changed after my reel got viral. People started recognising me. Not because of the viral reel but because people recognise me from ‘Rajjo’ majorly and also people from Assam as I have worked there and have done a lot of music videos. I did a web film that did quite well in Assam. People do recognise me on the streets and it’s very overwhelming that they come and ask for a picture. When people revert with so much love, it’s worth it.
What films or shows are you in talks now to be a part of? Have you already signed or shot something?
Currently, I am shooting for a web series by Reliance and we are shooting in Patiala right now. Can’t reveal much but I would definitely update you further.
Lastly, if you had to pick one role of Alia Bhatt which you saw and felt I wish I was playing this character, which one would that film be?
I want to pick up two roles of Alia Bhatt. One is ‘Highway’, she did an amazing job there and the other would be ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’.
