Celesti Bairagey on looking similar to Alia Bhatt: “I’m hoping to meet her one day”

When recordings of Celesti Bairagey impersonating Alia Bhatt went viral a few years ago, her fame increased. Since then, she has gained notoriety for herself. Celesti Bairagey has gone a long way from being a doppelganger to breaking into the film and television business.

Celesti Bairagey discusses her uncanny physical resemblance to Alia Bhatt, her sudden success, abandoning her professional goals to work in the film and television business, and much more with Prateek Sur. Excerpts:

You rose to fame as Alia Bhatt’s clone. How did you find out about your newfound fame? Who informed you of this or did you learn on your own that it suddenly become popular one morning? What is the background to that?

When I learned that my reel had gone viral, I had just finished in Assam where I was filming for a web movie. I had no clue that my video had gone viral when I was traveling from my home to Guwahati with my phone on flight mode. My mother phoned to tell me that my viral reel had gone viral.

Did anybody ever tell you that you resembled Alia Bhatt before you gained so much overnight fame on social media?

Yes, people from my school and college would often comment on how much I reminded them of Alia, and I would blush since she is so adorable and also my favorite actress.

Did your overnight success alter your life goals, or did you always want to be an actress?

I’ve always aspired to teach English literature. I was employed by the Assam government. Although acting has always been a clear part of who I am, I worked really hard to consider being a professor as a career choice. My life was altered by “Rajjo.”

On social media, Alia Bhatt responds quickly. She often reverts to her voice impersonators or even lookalikes. Have you ever heard back from Alia Bhatt? Or any other nearby famous person?

I don’t have any reverts, therefore no. Although I haven’t made contact with Alia Bhatt in any form, I have a lot of optimism that I will eventually get to meet her.

How has your life altered as a result of your recent rise to fame? Do people recognize you often on the streets and in markets?

Since my clip went viral, life has changed. People began to recognize me. Not because of the viral reel, but rather because many people recognize me from “Rajjo” and from Assam, where I worked and made several music videos. I produced a web movie that fared well in Assam. I am recognized by people on the street, and it is really overwhelming when they approach and want a photo. It’s worth it when people respond with such affection.

What movies or TV programs are you currently negotiating to join? Have you signed or shot anything already?

I’m now filming for a Reliance web series, and the location is Patiala. I won’t divulge too much, but I will keep you updated.

Last but not least, which movie would you choose if you had to choose one Alia Bhatt role that made you wish you were playing the part?

I want to cast Alia Bhatt in two parts. She performed a fantastic job in “Highway,” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” would be the other.