How Mahesh Bhatt transformed Hindi cinema through his own deeply personal, often controversial life
In short: Mahesh Bhatt redefined Indian filmmaking by turning his own life into art. From the raw anxieties of Saaransh to the musical phenomenon of Aashiqui, he built a career on unconventional narratives. Yet, his legacy remains a complex mix of critical acclaim, commercial success, and intense public scrutiny regarding industry nepotism.
Born in 1948 to a Hindu father and a Muslim mother, Mahesh Bhatt began his career as an assistant to director Raj Khosla. He made his directorial debut at 26 with the 1974 film Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain. However, it was the 1982 film Arth that established his reputation for mining personal experiences for cinematic material. This approach, which explored themes like extramarital affairs and out-of-wedlock birth, became a hallmark of his work, leading to critically lauded films such as the 1984 drama Saaransh and the 1999 autobiographical project Zakhm.
Bhatt’s influence extended beyond his own directorial efforts. Alongside his brother Mukesh Bhatt, he established Vishesh Films, a production banner that became a powerhouse in the 1990s and 2000s. He was a prolific talent scout, launching the careers of numerous actors, including Anupam Kher, Sushmita Sen, and Kangana Ranaut. His collaborations with music directors like Nadeem-Shravan were equally transformative, producing iconic soundtracks that defined the era's commercial cinema. By the time he retired from directing in 1999, he had secured five National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards.
Despite his professional achievements, Bhatt’s later years were marked by significant shifts. His 2020 comeback film, Sadak 2, became the center of a national debate on nepotism following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, resulting in the film's trailer becoming one of the most-disliked videos on YouTube at the time. By May 2021, his long-standing association with Vishesh Films officially ended due to differences with his brother. Today, Bhatt remains a polarizing figure, remembered as much for his mentorship and bold storytelling as for the controversies that have shadowed his later career.
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