Alia's Berlin connection

It's a known fact that Alia Bhatt's forthcoming film "Highway" will be premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, but very few know that the actress' grandmother was born in the city.

Alia's father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt took to Twitter to share his family's connection with Berlin.

"Alia Bhatt has a unique connection with Berlin. It's just incredible that her film 'Highway' is premiering in Berlin," he posted on the microblogging site Wednesday.

"Many years ago, in 1929, Alia's grandmother was born in Berlin. Yes, she's German. Sadly, she had to leave Berlin in 1937," he added.

Not only was Alia's grandmother born in Berlin, but the family also owned a newspaper against Adolf Hitler.

"Alia's great-grandfather was running an underground newspaper against Hitler. He was found out and imprisoned for two years," Mahesh wrote, adding that the actress' grandmonther and great-grandmother "walked across the border to Czechoslovakia" and sought refuge in England.

This spirit of "rebellion" will be reflected in Alia's performance in her film "Highway", a film which promises to bring out Alia's acting abilities through her portrayal of a girl, who is kidnapped.

"The spirit of rebellion, embedded in 'Highway', is a part of Alia's legacy. It comes from her great-grandfather," he said.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film also stars Randeep Hooda and will hit screens Feb 21.