Soni Razdan shares how Alia Bhatt’s 97-year-old grandmother once escaped Nazi Germany

Actor Soni Razdan has shared the remarkable story of her 97-year-old mother, Gertrude Hoelzer, revealing how she escaped Nazi Germany during childhood before eventually making India her home. The actor's emotional recollection has drawn attention to her family's extraordinary history of survival amid one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century.

Speaking about her mother's life, Razdan recounted that Gertrude Hoelzer was born in Germany and fled the country as the Nazi regime tightened its grip. The family managed to leave before the horrors of the Holocaust escalated, a decision that ultimately saved their lives.

Razdan said her mother was only a child when the family escaped, carrying with them little more than hope for a safer future. Their journey eventually led them to India, where Gertrude built a new life and later raised a family.

The veteran actor shared the story while reflecting on the importance of remembering history and acknowledging the experiences of those who lived through periods of conflict and persecution. She noted that her mother's resilience continues to inspire the family even at the age of 97.

Gertrude Hoelzer is also the maternal grandmother of actor Alia Bhatt, making the story particularly significant for fans interested in the Bhatt family's history. Razdan said her mother has witnessed nearly a century of world events and remains a living reminder of the consequences of intolerance and war.

The actor also emphasised the importance of preserving such personal histories so that younger generations understand the human cost of conflict. She described her mother's journey as one marked by courage, adaptability and perseverance despite the immense challenges she faced as a refugee.

Razdan's account resonated widely on social media, with many users praising Gertrude Hoelzer's resilience and expressing admiration for her remarkable life journey. Several also highlighted the value of sharing firsthand accounts of historical events, particularly as the number of living survivors from the Second World War continues to decline.

The story has offered fans a rare glimpse into Alia Bhatt's family background, revealing how one branch of the family survived persecution in Europe before finding refuge in India. For Razdan, her mother's life stands as a testament to hope, resilience and the enduring strength of the human spirit.