Mahesh Bhatt | |
---|---|
Born | |
Occupations |
|
Spouse(s) | Lorraine Bright aka Kiran Bhatt (m. 1970) |
Children | 4, including Pooja Bhatt, Rahul Bhatt and Alia Bhatt |
Father | Nanabhai Bhatt |
Family | Bhatt family |
Awards | Full list |
Mahesh Bhatt (born 20 September, 1948) is an Indian film director, producer and screenwriter known for his works in Hindi cinema. He has received a number of accolades, including four National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards. A notable film from his earlier period is Saaransh (1984), screened at the 14th Moscow International Film Festival. It became India's official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for that year. [1] The 1986 film Naam was his first piece of commercial cinema. [2] In 1987, he turned producer with the film Kabzaa under the banner, "Vishesh Films", with his brother Mukesh Bhatt.
Mahesh went on to become one of the most recognized directors of the Indian film industry in the next decade, giving both art-house works such as Daddy (1989) and Swayam (1991), as well as commercial romantic hits, such as Aashiqui (1990) and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991), in which he cast Pooja Bhatt with actor Aamir Khan. He next directed Sadak (1991) which was a hit and it remains his highest grossing either directed or produced by Vishesh Films. [3]
During the 1990s Mahesh won critical acclaim for Sir (1993), along with other hits such as Gumraah (1993) and Criminal (1994). In 1994 he won the National Film Award – Special Jury Award for directing Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993). In 1996, he directed Tamanna , which won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. In 1999, he directed the autobiographical Zakhm, which has garnered the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Thereafter, Bhatt and his brother joined hands to establish Vishesh Films and then provided stories and screenplays for over twenty films, many of which were box-office successes. Bhatt has produced multiple contemporary films such as Raaz (2002), Jism (2003), Murder (2004), Gangster (2006), Woh Lamhe (2006), Jannat (2008), Murder 2 (2011), and Aashiqui 2 (2013). [4] Owing to differences between the brothers, Mukesh took over Vishesh Films and, in May 2021, it was publicly announced that Mahesh was no longer associated with the firm. [5]
Bhatt was born to Nanabhai Bhatt and Shirin Mohammad Ali. [6] Bhatt's father was a Gujarati Hindu Nagar Brahmin [7] and his mother was a Gujarati Muslim. [8] [9] [10] [11]
Among his siblings is the Indian film producer Mukesh Bhatt. Bhatt did his schooling from Don Bosco High School, Matunga. While still in school, Bhatt started summer jobs to earn money, while also making product advertisements. He was introduced to film director Raj Khosla through acquaintances. Bhatt thus started as an assistant director to Khosla. [4]
At the age of 26, Bhatt made his debut as a director with the film Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain starring Kabir Bedi and Prema Narayan in 1974. His 1979 Lahu Ke Do Rang , starring Shabana Azmi and Vinod Khanna in lead roles, won two Filmfare Awards in 1980: [12] Helen received her first Filmfare as Best Supporting Actress and Madhukar Shinde won it for Best Art Direction. The film did "above average" at the box office. [13] He was noticed and received great critical acclaim with art film Arth (1982), when he turned to his personal life for inspiration but doubt persists as to whether it is an original film. Later, he made many more films taking insights from his personal life wherein he highlighted personal narratives ranging from out-of-wedlock birth to extramarital affair, and created critically acclaimed works such as Janam (1985) and Saaransh (1984), an exploration of an old couple's anxieties in a universe governed by arbitrary violence.
Bhatt had one of his biggest releases with musical romance film Aashiqui (1990), in collaboration with T-Series. The film launched Rahul Roy, Anu Aggarwal, and Deepak Tijori in the lead roles and became a major commercial success due to the hugely popular soundtrack by Nadeem-Shravan, which catapulted the music director duo into stardom. He launched his daughter Pooja Bhatt as a lead actress opposite Aamir Khan in Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991). The film was a commercial success and hugely acclaimed for its soundtrack. Bhatt's directorial Saathi (1991) was the only major success for Aditya Pancholi as a lead actor, thus giving a boost to his career.
Bhatt's biggest release during that time was Sir (1993). The film launched Atul Agnihotri opposite Pooja Bhatt and Naseeruddin Shah was featured in the title role of an aspiring and dedicated teacher. The film was a commercial success and gained critical acclaim for Bhatt's direction and the acting of Shah, Pooja, Agnihotri, and Paresh Rawal. The film had an acclaimed and popular soundtrack by Anu Malik, which gave a boost to the music director's stellar career and he joined the league of top music directors of Bollywood.
In 1995 he moved to television, then a newly opening medium in India. He made two TV series in 1995: the English language A Mouthful of Sky written by Ashok Banker and the popular Hindi language serial Swabhimaan scripted by the writer Shobha De. He directed another TV series, Kabhie Kabhie , in 1997 which was written by Anurag Kashyap, Vinta Nanda and Kamlesh Kunti Singh. Following this, he directed dramas like Dastak (1996), the debut film of Miss Universe 1994-turned-actress Sushmita Sen, and Tamanna (1997), and tried his hand at comedy with Duplicate in 1998. Zakhm (1998) based on the Mumbai riots of 1993.
His last film as director was Kartoos (1999) which did average business at the box office. Thereafter, Bhatt retired as a director and took to screenwriting, churning out stories and screenplays for over twenty films, many of which were box-office successes, like Dushman , Raaz , Murder (2004), Gangster (2006), Woh Lamhe (2006), based on the life of actress Parveen Babi, along with many more. His banner vishesh films still continues operating today as one of Indian Cinemas leading production banners. Bhatt entered into the world of theatre with his protege Imran Zahid as of now he has produced three plays. The Last Salute, based on Muntadhar al-Zaidi's book of the same title, a journalist investigating atrocities Trial of Errors, that opened on 29 March 2013 in Delhi. stage adaptation of Bhatt of his movie, Arth (film). [14] [15] [16] [17] Bhatt also produced The Last Salute, a play directed by Arvind Gaur, based on Muntadhar al-Zaidi's book, starring Imran Zahid. [18] [19] [20] [21]
Bhatt is co-owner of the film production house, Vishesh Films, with his brother, Mukesh Bhatt. However owing to differences between the brothers, Mukesh Bhatt took over Vishesh films and in May 2021, it was publicly announced that Mahesh Bhatt was no more associated with the firm. [22] [23] He is a member of the advisory board of U.S. nonprofit TeachAids. [24]
He has hosted some episodes of two science magazine programmes - Turning Point and Imaging Science on Doordarshan in 1990s. [25]
As of December 2018 [update] Bhatt was a member of the Board of Patrons of the Mother Teresa Awards. [26]
Bhatt believes the Congress party is committed to secularism. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he campaigned in a Karvan-e-Bedari (caravan of awareness) asking people to vote for Congress [27] and defeat BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, as he believes that Modi is communal. [28] Bhatt also criticizes the communal record of Congress Party, for its role in 1984 Sikh riots. He is planning to make a film, which will address the riots that took place in Delhi. [29] Mahesh Bhatt supported the Islamic preacher Zakir Naik when the latter was denied entry into the United Kingdom for his controversial comments on terrorism. [30]
In 1970, Bhatt married Lorraine Bright (later name changed to Kiran Bhatt). His romance with her was the inspiration for his film Aashiqui . [4] The couple's daughter Pooja is a filmmaker and actress, and son Rahul is an aspiring actor. Bhatt began an affair with 1970s actress, Parveen Babi. [4] The affair did not last long, and Bhatt married Soni Razdan in 1986; [31] to avoid Bhatt having to divorce his first wife, the couple converted to Islam prior to their wedding. [32] [4] They have two daughters, Shaheen and film actress Alia. [4] [33] Alia is an actress having played roles in more than 20 films. [34] [35] Hindi film actor Emraan Hashmi is his cousin Anwar's son, and filmmaker Milan Luthria is his mother Shirin's grand-nephew. He is the maternal uncle of film director Mohit Suri and former actress Smiley Suri.
In the 1970s, he became a follower of Osho, and later found spiritual companionship and guidance with philosopher, U.G. Krishnamurti. Bhatt calls Krishnamurti his lifeline and says "Take him away, and I am empty". [4] Bhatt in 1992 wrote Krishnamurti's biography titled U.G. Krishnamurti, A Life. [36] Apart from this he has edited several books based on conversations with U.G. Krishnamurti. Bhatt's latest book A Taste of Life: The Last Days of U.G. Krishnamurti was published in June 2009. [37]
As a director and producer, Mahesh Bhatt has a legacy of mentoring many actors and actresses and launching their careers, giving big names to Bollywood. He is notable for launching the careers of Anupam Kher in Saaransh (1984), Rahul Roy, Anu Aggarwal and Deepak Tijori in Aashiqui (1990), daughter Pooja Bhatt in Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin and Sadak (1991), Atul Agnihotri in Sir (1993), Sonali Bendre in Naaraaz (1994), Samir Soni in A Mouthful of Sky (1995), Sushmita Sen, Manoj Bajpayee, Sharad Kapoor and Mukul Dev in Dastak (1996), Ashutosh Rana in Tamanna (1997), Dushman (1998) and Sangharsh (1999), Aftab Shivdasani in Kasoor (2001), Dino Morea and Bipasha Basu in Raaz (2002), Aparna Tilak in Footpath (2003), Emraan Hashmi in Footpath and Murder (2004), Mallika Sherawat in Murder (2004), Kunal Khemu in Kalyug (2005), Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut in Gangster and Woh Lamhe (both 2006) [38] and Sunny Leone in Jism 2 (2012). [39]
Bhatt has also given breakthrough to many stars, bringing turning point in their careers. These names include Sanjay Dutt and Kumar Gaurav in Naam (1986), Aditya Pancholi in Saathi (1991), Paresh Rawal in Sir (1993), and Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor in Aashiqui 2 (2013).[ citation needed ]
Bhatt is also known for his choice of music.[ citation needed ] Nadeem-Shravan had their first hit album in Bollywood with Bhatt's directorial Aashiqui.[ citation needed ] They would collaborate with Bhatt in more films including Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak and Saathi (1991), Junoon (1992), Tadipaar and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993). Nadeem-Shravan went on to compose music for several productions of Vishesh Films.[ citation needed ]
Year | Films | Director | Producer | Writer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1974 | Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain | Yes | |||
1977 | Vishwasghaat | Yes | |||
1978 | Naya Daur | Yes | |||
1979 | Lahu Ke Do Rang | Yes | 2 Filmfare Awards including Best Supporting Actress for Helen | ||
1980 | Abhimanyu | Yes | |||
1982 | Arth | Yes | Yes | National Film Award for Best Actress for Shabana Azmi [40] Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director | |
1984 | Saaransh | Yes | Yes | Filmfare Award for Best Story National Film Award for Best Lyrics (Vasant Dev) India's official entry to the 57th Academy Awards (Best Foreign Language Film) [41] Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director | |
1985 | Janam | Yes | Yes | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Story | |
1986 | Aashiana | Yes | |||
1986 | Naam | Yes | |||
1987 | Aaj | Yes | |||
1987 | Kaash | Yes | Yes | ||
1987 | Thikaana | Yes | |||
1988 | Siyaasat | Yes | |||
1988 | Kabzaa | Yes | Based on On the Waterfront | ||
1989 | Daddy | Yes | National Film Award – Special Mention - Anupam Kher [42] | ||
1990 | Awaargi | Yes | |||
1990 | Jurm | Yes | |||
1990 | Aashiqui | Yes | Won 4 Filmfare Awards Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director | ||
1990 | Haque | Yes | Yes | ||
1991 | Swayam | Yes | |||
1991 | Saathi | Yes | |||
1991 | Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin | Yes | Based on It Happened One Night Remade in Tamil Kadhal Rojavae Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director | ||
1991 | Sadak | Yes | Won – Filmfare Award for Best Villain (Sadashiv Amrapurkar) Remade in Tamil as Appu | ||
1992 | Saatwan Aasmaan | Yes | |||
1992 | Junoon | Yes | Based on An American Werewolf in London | ||
1992 | Maarg | Yes | Originally titled Prem Dharam when launched in 1988. Released straight on video | ||
1993 | Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee | Yes | TV movie (Zee TV) | ||
1993 | Gunaah | Yes | |||
1993 | Sir | Yes | Based on Bulundi Remade as Gangmaster | ||
1993 | Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke | Yes | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director National Film Award – Special Mention (shared with producer Tahir Hussain) Based on Houseboat | ||
1993 | Gumrah | Yes | |||
1993 | Tadipaar | Yes | |||
1994 | The Gentleman | Yes | Yes | Remake of Tamil movie Gentleman | |
1994 | Naaraaz | Yes | |||
1995 | Milan | Yes | |||
1995 | Naajayaz | Yes | |||
1995 | Criminal | Yes | Telugu–Hindi bilingual based on The Fugitive | ||
1996 | Papa Kehte Hai | Yes | Yes | ||
1996 | Sardari Begum | Yes | Best Feature Film in Urdu National Film Award/Special Jury Award: Kirron Kher National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress: Rajeshwari Sachdev | ||
1996 | Chaahat | Yes | |||
1996 | Dastak | Yes | |||
1997 | Tamanna | Yes | Yes | ||
1998 | Duplicate | Yes | Based on The Whole Town's Talking | ||
1998 | Angaaray | Yes | Based on State of Grace | ||
1998 | Dushman [43] | Yes | Based on Eye for an Eye | ||
1998 | Zakhm | Yes | Yes | Filmfare Award for Best Story Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration | |
1999 | Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan | Yes | Originally titled Mr. Aashiq, audio released under that name as well | ||
1999 | Kartoos | Yes | Based on Point of No Return/ French movie La Femme Nikita | ||
1999 | Sangharsh | Yes | Based on The Silence of the Lambs | ||
2001 | Kasoor | Yes | Based on Jagged Edge | ||
2001 | Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar | Yes | |||
2002 | Raaz | Yes | Yes | Based on What Lies Beneath | |
2002 | Gunaah | Yes | |||
2003 | Saaya | Yes | Based on Dragonfly | ||
2003 | Footpath | Yes | Yes | Based on State of Grace | |
2003 | Jism | Yes | Based on Body Heat which itself was based on Double Indemnity | ||
2003 | Inteha | Yes | Based on Fear | ||
2004 | Murder | Yes | Based on Unfaithful which itself was based on the French movie The Unfaithful Wife | ||
2005 | Rog | Yes | Based on Laura | ||
2005 | Zeher | Yes | Yes | Based on Out of Time | |
2005 | Nazar | Yes | |||
2005 | Kalyug | Yes | |||
2006 | Gangster | Yes | Yes | ||
2006 | The Killer | Yes | |||
2006 | Woh Lamhe | Yes | Yes | ||
2007 | Awarapan | Yes | Yes | ||
2007 | Showbiz | Yes | |||
2008 | Jannat | Yes | |||
2009 | Raaz - The Mystery Continues | Yes | |||
2009 | Tum Mile | Yes | |||
2010 | Crook | Yes | |||
2010 | Kajraare | Yes | |||
2011 | Murder 2 | Yes | Yes | Based on The Chaser | |
2012 | Blood Money | Yes | |||
2012 | Jannat 2 | Yes | Yes | ||
2012 | Jism 2 | Yes | |||
2012 | Raaz 3D | Yes | |||
2013 | Murder 3 | Yes | Yes | Remake of The Hidden Face | |
2013 | Aashiqui 2 | Yes | Highest box office grossing film of Vishesh Films | ||
2015 | CityLights | Yes | |||
2015 | Khamoshiyan | Yes | |||
2015 | Mr. X | Yes | Also singer of title song "Mr. X" | ||
2015 | Hamari Adhuri Kahani | Yes | Yes | ||
2016 | Love Games | Yes | |||
2016 | Raaz Reboot | Yes | |||
2017 | Begum Jaan | Yes | |||
2018 | Jalebi | Yes | |||
2018 | The Dark Side of Life: Mumbai City | Acting debut, Post production | |||
2020 | Sadak 2 | Yes | Yes | ||
2022 | Judaa Hoke Bhi | Yes | |||
2023 | 1920: Horrors of the Heart | Yes |
Year | Show | Director | Producer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1995–1997 | Swabhimaan | Yes | No | |
1995 | A Mouthful of Sky | Yes | No | |
1997 | Kabhie Kabhie | Yes | No | |
2014 | CEO's Got Talent | No | No | Judge [44] |
2014–2019 | Udaan | No | Yes | |
2016–2018 | Naamkaran | Yes | Yes | [45] [46] [47] |
2017–2018 | Tu Aashiqui | No | Yes | [48] |
2020 | Dil Jaise Dhadke... Dhadakne Do | No | No | Creator [49] |
2022 | Pehchaan | No | Yes | Also host [50] |
Year | Title | Platform | Note |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Yours Truly | ZEE5 |
Pooja Bhatt is an Indian actress, director, and filmmaker. She established herself as one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. She is the recipient of several accolades, including two National Film Awards and one Filmfare Awards.
Rahul Roy is an Indian actor, producer and former model known for his works in Hindi films and television. Roy began his acting career with the 1990 blockbuster Aashiqui, a Mahesh Bhatt production as the lead actor with newcomer Anu Aggarwal. He then appeared opposite Karishma Kapoor in Sudhakar Bokade's romantic film Sapne Sajan Ke (1992). Roy has been honoured with life membership of the International Film And Television Club of Asian Academy of Film & Television.
Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin is a 1991 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film produced by Gulshan Kumar and directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film starred Bhatt's daughter Pooja Bhatt in her first major lead female role, with Aamir Khan starring as her love interest. Supporting roles were played by Anupam Kher, Sameer Chitre, and Tiku Talsania, while Deepak Tijori made a special appearance.
Syed Emraan Anwar Hashmi is an Indian actor who works in Hindi cinema. Born into the Bhatt family, he began his career an assistant director on the horror film Raaz (2002). He made his acting debut with the crime film Footpath (2003), and achieved his breakthrough for his starring role in the erotic thriller Murder (2004).
Mohit Suri is an Indian film director. Born into the Bhatt family, he is well known for directing the films Murder 2 (2011), the musical romance Aashiqui 2 (2013) and the romantic thrillers Awarapan (2007), Ek Villain (2014) and Malang (2020). He has been married to Udita Goswami since 2013.
Sadak is a 1991 Indian Hindi-language romantic action thriller film directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It stars Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt. The film is one of the highest-grossing movies of the year 1991. It is an unofficial remake of 1976 American film Taxi Driver. This film was remade in Tamil as Appu (2000). A sequel, Sadak 2, was released on 28 August 2020 on Disney+ Hotstar.
Raaz: The Mystery Continues, shortened as RTMC or Raaz 2, is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language supernatural horror film directed by Mohit Suri. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman while Jackie Shroff appears in a special appearance. The film is the second installment in the Raaz series, but the story-line is not a direct sequel to the 2002 film Raaz. The film deals with issues of the ghosts which are allegedly prevalent in India and the world around us. The film attempts to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena. Emraan Hashmi plays a painter, named Prithvi, who has an extraordinary gift, the ability to paint the future. His paintings tell Nandita's future.
Vishesh Films is an Indian film company founded in 1986 and currently owned by Mukesh Bhatt. Vishesh Films is one of the most successful Indian film production houses. The production company is named after Vishesh Bhatt, the son of Mukesh Bhatt.
Mukesh Bhatt is an Indian film producer and actor who has produced several Bollywood films. He is the younger brother of Mahesh Bhatt, and also the co-owner of the production company Vishesh Films, set up in 1986.
Robin Bhatt is an Indian screenwriter active in Bollywood. He is the half-brother of Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt and son of Nanabhai Bhatt. He has written many films and was nominated thrice and won an award for Baazigar. He is honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Jaipur International Film Festival-JIFF in 2019. His debut film as writer was Aashiqui, which proved to be a hit film. He has written many films for Bhatt Productions.
Imran Zahid is an Indian actor in both theatre and Bollywood. He has acted in Mahesh Bhatt's The Last Salute, based on Muntadhar al-Zaidi's book of the same title and the stageplay The Arth, based on Bhatt's movie Arth. His latest play was Daddy based on Bhatt's movie of the same name.
Pravin Bhatt is an Indian film cinematographer, director and screenwriter, who has worked in Hindi cinema from 1970s to 2010s and shot most of the films directed by Mahesh Bhatt, like Arth (1982) and Aashiqui (1990) and his son Vikram Bhatt, Raaz (2002). He has also shot films like Umrao Jaan (1981), Masoom (1983) and Agneepath (1990).
Smilie Suri or Smiley Suri is an Indian model, actress and dancer, who appears in Bollywood films. Suri made her debut in acting with the 2005 film, Kalyug, which was directed by her brother, Mohit Suri. The film turned out to be a certified box office huge success.
Vishesh Bhatt is an Indian filmmaker who works in Hindi cinema. He is the namesake of the film production company Vishesh Films, run by his father Mukesh Bhatt and uncle Mahesh Bhatt, noted Bollywood film director.
Murder is a series of Indian thriller films produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt under the banner of Vishesh Films. The first film directed by Anurag Basu was released in 2004, second film by Mohit Suri was released in 2011, and third film by Vishesh Bhatt was released in 2013. A fourth film currently titled Murder 4 is stated to be under production.
Hamari Adhuri Kahani is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt under the banners of Vishesh Films and Fox Star Studios. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Rao in lead roles.
Mr. X is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language science fiction action film directed by Vikram Bhatt and co-produced by Mukesh Bhatt and Tanmay Bhat. The film stars Emraan Hashmi and Amyra Dastur, and its title is taken from the 1964 film Mr. X in Bombay. It follows a former ATS officer who sets out for revenge after he is framed for murder, left for dead, and gains the ability to become invisible.
Raaz is an Indian horror film series produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt under the banner of Vishesh Films. The first, third and fourth films were directed by Vikram Bhatt, released in 2002, 2012 and 2016 respectively, and the second film was directed by Mohit Suri released in 2009. The first three films were financial successes but the fourth film failed to perform well at the box office.
Purnima Das Verma was an Indian actress who worked predominantly in Hindi-language films. She was the aunt of director Mahesh Bhatt and grandmother of actor Emraan Hashmi.
Sadak 2 is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language action thriller road film directed by Mahesh Bhatt and produced by Fox Star Studios and Mukesh Bhatt under their banner Vishesh Films. A sequel to the 1991 film Sadak, it stars Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt and Aditya Roy Kapur in the lead roles with an ensemble supporting cast, while Pooja Bhatt makes a special appearance. The film marks Mahesh Bhatt's return as a director after 20 years. The film's story takes place twenty-nine years after the events of its predecessor.
{{cite web}}
: |last=
has generic name (help)