Alia Bhatt responds to criticism surrounding unusual pairing with Salman Khan in 'Inshallah'

When news erupted that filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is casting together Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt for the first time in Inshallah, fans were left divided. While many rejoiced at seeing the talented actors spread their acting skills on the big screen, some were not very settled with the age gap making even some photo-hunter to earth old picture of baby Alia with adult Salman Khan.

While the two actors seemed to have remained unfazed for quite a long time regarding this topic, Alia has finally responded to the criticism surrounding the unusual pairing. When asked about the criticism, the Gully Boy star coolly brushed aside the harsh criticisms and told Pinkvilla, "I didn’t get any criticism. I think I got a lot of excitement. I think speculation is also a form of excitement in a way and why shouldn’t there be speculation. There should be and at least I am not bothered by that and I don’t think Salman or Bhansali sir are bothered."

"I think this is a filmmaker who has given us very good films, he is someone who we all are very fond of and I think we should just trust him with his vision’’ she added.

Alia had also then maintained her excitement of working with Salman Khan and SLB. When the announcement was made official, she had taken to Twitter to write this, "I was 9 when I first walked into Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office, all nervous and hoping and praying that I would be in his next film. It's been a long wait. Dream with your eyes wide open they say & I did. Sanjay Sir and Salman Khan are magical together & I can't wait to join them on this beautiful journey called ‘Inshallah’.

The 26-year-old actor will meanwhile be seen in the period drama Kalank starring Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur among others.