Recent Harry Potter fan Alia Bhatt becomes the latest celebrity roped in to read a chapter from the global best-seller Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling. The actress, who began reading the beloved series during the lockdown, was selected to read for children who are in lockdown across the world, an opportunity she couldn’t refuse.
In a statement on the Harry At Home website, Bhatt stated, “It wasn’t until lockdown in India that Harry, Hogwarts and the wizarding world became regular fixtures in my life. Somehow, despite the fierce insistence of my sister [Shaheen Bhatt], life always intervened, and I never quite got around to befriending the books. But confined to my home - I journeyed to Hogwarts with Harry and was transported to a world of endless possibilities.”
“And, just like magic, that was when I was asked to be a part of Harry Potter At Home. I didn’t quite believe in magic until two months ago - but now - thanks to Harry, I do. 10 million points to Gryffindor,” she added.
Bhatt was joined in the online reading by American actor Alec Baldwin, who was accompanied by his young daughter Carmen. They both read chapter eight, titled The Potions Master, of the first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the title character in the film franchise, began the series by reading the first chapter on the website. Oscar winners Olivia Colman and Eddie Redmayne, actresses Kate McKinnon, actor Stephen Fry along with actresses Bonnie Wright and Evanna Lynch who appeared in the Harry Potter films, read the following chapters of the book online.
The actress was filming for her upcoming Gangubai Kathiawadi when the industry shutdown was announced in March. She also has Sadak 2 (2020) and Bhramastra (2020) lined up for release.