Calay News
Gal Gadot has become an inseparable figure from the Wonder Woman character today. However, the difficulties and challenges that she faced to rise to the top in such a competitive industry are known only to the Israeli actress. From facing rejection when auditioning for the role of a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace (2008) to making an indelible mark on history by earning a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, Gal has reached significant heights throughout his distinguished career.
What makes her success even more unusual is her achievement in the film industry of a country other than her own. In this sense, her trajectory resembles that of her Heart of Stone co-star Alia Bhatt.
Alia, who started her acting career in Bollywood with Student of the Year in 2012, has seen remarkable progress over the course of a decade. Her most recent achievement involves her international debut in the spy film Heart of Stone, in which she co-stars with Gal Gadot and is directed by Tom Harper.
In an exclusive conversation with an Indian media outlet, Gal mentioned that watching Alia navigate the early stages of Hollywood evokes memories of her own struggles.
“We have a lot in common. From the first time we met, I felt like we connected. Not only because we both come from different countries, English is not our first language, and our cultures are very different, but she also brings a lot of warmth. It’s what you see,” Gal was quoted as saying.
Gal is convinced that Alia has the skills to establish herself in Hollywood independently, given her experience in the Indian film industry. “I don’t think Alia needs any advice. She comes with so much experience, having worked for over a decade in India. And India, you guys are huge! So she knows how to handle pressure. Entering the US market will be a smooth evolution or transition that is healthy for Alia. I think she’s super prepared. If she ever needs anything, she’s my friend, she’s my sister, she’s got my number, and she’s got my address. I’m always here for her,” Gal added.
During the filming of Heart of Stone, Alia was expecting a child while she was doing action sequences. Although Gal had turned down a role in Man of Steel due to her pregnancy, she noted the significant advances in Hollywood’s safety standards over the past decade.
She stressed the importance of safety, explaining that they were fully committed to it, especially after a tragic incident on another set. “We completely focused on the safety aspect 1,000%. We continued to shoot this movie after a tragedy occurred on another set,” Gal said, referring to the unfortunate accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by actor Alec Baldwin during production of the western film Rust.
“It’s always important to keep your cast and crew safe. But after a tragedy like that, it becomes even more important to check what you normally check, times five. We weren’t allowed to do any over-the-top stunts. We were surrounded by people who made sure that we were safe and that we stayed in one piece. That’s why you surround yourself with professionals who know how to do these things,” said Gal.
The Heart of Stone film is scheduled to premiere on Netflix this Friday, August 11, marking the collaboration and commitment of both actresses to their art.
