Mahesh Bhatt is one of Hindi cinema’s most recognised filmmakers, known for films such as Arth, Saaransh, Aashiqui, Sadak and Zakhm. Born on September 20, 1948, the filmmaker turns 78 in 2026.
While his contribution to Indian cinema has been widely discussed, Mahesh Bhatt’s personal life and public statements have also attracted considerable attention over the decades. Several incidents involving his family, relationships and public associations became major talking points in the media.
On his birthday, here is a look at five controversies that have been associated with Mahesh Bhatt’s public life.
1. The Controversial Pooja Bhatt Magazine Cover
One of the most widely discussed controversies involving Mahesh Bhatt dates back to a magazine photoshoot featuring his daughter Pooja Bhatt.
Mahesh and Pooja appeared together in a photograph in which they were shown kissing on the lips. The image generated considerable criticism after it was published. The controversy intensified because of a statement attributed to Mahesh in which he reportedly said that if Pooja were not his daughter, he would marry her.
The combination of the photograph and the reported remark became one of the most talked-about controversies associated with the filmmaker.
2. His Second Marriage to Soni Razdan
Another major chapter in Mahesh Bhatt’s personal life involved his marriage to actress Soni Razdan.
Mahesh had married Lorraine Bright, who later adopted the name Kiran Bhatt, in 1970. The couple had two children, Pooja Bhatt and Rahul Bhatt.
Mahesh later entered a relationship with Soni Razdan, and the two married in 1986. Their relationship and marriage attracted attention because of the circumstances surrounding Mahesh’s first marriage.
The filmmaker has spoken publicly over the years about his personal relationships, making his family history a recurring subject of media discussion.
3. His Relationship With Parveen Babi
Mahesh Bhatt’s relationship with late actress Parveen Babi remains another deeply discussed part of his life.
The filmmaker was reportedly in a relationship with Parveen during the late 1970s. Mahesh later wrote about that period and described living with the actress while he was separated from his wife and daughter.
Parveen Babi subsequently faced serious personal and mental health struggles. Mahesh Bhatt later drew upon his experiences with her while discussing his own life and filmmaking.
Their relationship has continued to attract interest because of the emotional circumstances surrounding Parveen’s final years and Mahesh’s accounts of their time together.
4. Rahul Bhatt and David Headley Connection
Mahesh Bhatt’s family also came under scrutiny after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks because of his son Rahul Bhatt’s association with David Coleman Headley.
Rahul had acknowledged meeting Headley through a common acquaintance at a gym. Reports stated that the two met several times before the 26/11 attacks.
Rahul later told investigating agencies that he had no knowledge of Headley’s terrorist activities. He was questioned in connection with the matter, but reports subsequently stated that he was given a clean chit by investigators.
The episode nevertheless became a major point of media attention because Headley was later identified as one of the key conspirators linked to the Mumbai attacks.
5. Mahesh Bhatt’s Name During the Sushant Singh Rajput Case
Mahesh Bhatt’s name also surfaced during the intense public debate surrounding the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020.
Bhatt’s association with actress Rhea Chakraborty came under scrutiny after photographs and WhatsApp conversations between the two became part of media coverage. Various claims were circulated on social media and in sections of the media regarding their relationship and the advice Bhatt allegedly gave Rhea.
Mahesh Bhatt denied the allegations made against him. The controversy became part of the much larger public discussion surrounding the circumstances of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death and the subsequent investigations.
It is important to distinguish between documented associations and allegations circulated during the case, as several claims made on social media were disputed.
Mahesh Bhatt’s Career Beyond the Controversies
Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Mahesh Bhatt has had a significant career in Hindi cinema.
He directed several commercially successful and critically discussed films, including Arth, Saaransh, Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak and Zakhm. His films frequently explored relationships, family conflicts, emotional struggles and complicated human connections.
After Sadak 2 in 2020, Mahesh Bhatt stepped away from directing feature films, although he has continued to remain involved in the entertainment industry.
Why Mahesh Bhatt Continues to Make Headlines
Mahesh Bhatt’s life has remained a subject of public interest because of the intersection of his filmmaking career and his highly discussed personal experiences.
From his relationships with prominent actresses to controversies involving his family, several episodes have remained part of Bollywood’s media history. Some were based on documented events, while others involved allegations or interpretations that were publicly disputed.
As Mahesh Bhatt celebrates his 78th birthday, his legacy continues to be discussed through both his contribution to cinema and the controversies that have accompanied his long career.
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