When Neetu Kapoor, Alia Bhatt Set Goals As Modern Mother-In-Law & Daughter-In-Law

For years now, a lot of our films have subjected us to many stereotypical depictions of what a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship looks like. However, modern mothers-in-law have evolved from the conventional saas bahu portrayals — best depicted in Indian television serials — and become more respectful of boundaries, probably as a result of having empowered daughters-in-law. The many wholesome moments between Neetu Kapoor And Alia Bhatt are here to prove to you that.

Days after Ranbir Kapoor and Alia's wedding, Neetu was questioned about Alia on the sets of the reality show Dance Deewane Juniors. When asked who will rule the home—Alia or Neetu —she promptly responded with: “Khaali bahu ki, main chaahti hu sirf bahu ki chale” (Only my daughter-in-law. I want her to have the last word). Sure, it's fun banter, but says a lot about how easy it can be for a traditional mindset to let go.

This isn't the first time she has gushed about her daughter-in-law either. A few days ago, on being asked “Bahu kaisi hai aapki?” (How is your daughter-in-law), Kapoor, who was posing happily in front of her vanity van, smiled exuberantly and responded, “Bahu? Badhiya hai. Bohot badhiya hai” (My daughter-in-law? She is great. Really great).

Neetu, who was last seen in JugJug Jeeyo, also does not shy away from acknowledging the positive outlook Alia brought on her son. In an interview, she said, "I am the happiest, today. She has given him a lot of love and warmth. I feel the change in him. They look good together. I am very happy and feel lucky that Alia has come into our family. So, life has really changed and I am very content."

Ranbir Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

Neetu Kapoor And Alia Bhatt's relationship

A few days ago, Neetu spoke about her camaraderie with her own mother-in-law, Krishna Raj Kapoor. “Someone was asking me, how I managed to have such a good relationship with my mother-in-law. She was outstanding. I would call her and go, ‘your son said this, did that’ and she would say, ‘your husband…,’ and I’d say ‘woh tumhara beta hai…,’ and we used to fight like that. Today I miss my mother-in-law the maximum."

She further added that she hopes to have a similar relationship between her and Alia. "Alia is a lovely person. She is a beautiful, simple, uncorrupted human being."

After Alia's pregnancy announcement post, Neetu shared a picture of Alia and Ranbir and captioned it with, "God Bless" and added two red heart emojis.

It is important to note that when celebrities like Neetu dote on their famous daughters-in-law in public, it does set the precedent for the current crop of Indian mothers-in-law—who have watched and loved Kapoor on the silver screen—to follow suit.

In the new season of the Bollywood talk show Koffee With Karan, Alia touched upon the subject of how she dealt with her late father-in-law Rishi Kapoor's passing. She recalls that her focus was not on the pandemic but on looking after her Neetu and the family.

Neetu turns 64 today, and she is celebrating her birthday in London with her daughter Riddhima, and other members of her family. On Friday morning Alia wished Neetu on social media by calling her “soon to be dadi maaaaa” (soon-to-be-grandmother) along with a throwback picture from her haldi ceremony.

“Happiest birthday to the most beautiful soul. My mother-in-law/friend/soon-to-be dadi maaaaa ..love you so much," the actor wrote. The picture sees Neetu holding sweets and kissing Alia’s forehead.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt married on April 14. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their residence in Bandra.

Suggested Reading: The Spunky Neetu Kapoor: Silver Screen Is Where She Belongs