Mahesh Bhatt revisits a chilling confession by late Parveen Babi: ‘Darr lagta hai..’

Parveen Babi remains one of the most talked-about figures from the 70s and 80s era of Hindi cinema, remembered for both her professional success and the troubling questions that surrounded her personal life. While her work made her one of the most recognised names of her time, the circumstances of her final years have often been revisited in interviews and conversations within the film industry.

Recently, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt spoke in detail about her declining mental health and their personal conversations during that phase. Appearing on The Himanshu Mehta Show podcast, Bhatt said, “Prior to coming to this interview, I was writing about her final spiraling into what is called madness. All attempts were made to make her see that once she had that kind of breakdown, there’s no way she should try and fit herself back into this fiercely competitive space. She should have withdrawn, as she had a physiological vulnerability. But I think once you have tasted this business, the high of the arc lights, it’s very difficult to turn your back on it. But what happened to her was an unimaginable tragedy.”

He added that despite all speculations and reports, Parveen was never formally diagnosed with any specific condition. Bhatt also recalled a moment when she expressed fear and uncertainty, telling him: “Darr lagta hai (I feel scared).”

She should have withdrawn, as she had a physiological vulnerability. But I think once you have tasted this business, the high of the arc lights, it’s very difficult to turn your back on it. But what happened to her was an unimaginable tragedy

- Mahesh Bhatt

Parveen Babi passed away in January 2005. She was found in her Mumbai flat days after she had died, reportedly alone and out of contact. At the time of her death, she was 50 years old. Over the years, concerns were raised not only about her mental health but also about how isolated she had become from both the industry and personal relationships.

Discussions around her life continue to highlight the pressures that public figures face, especially those who go through psychological challenges while navigating demanding careers in entertainment. Bhatt’s reflections once again bring attention to the conversations that are often avoided around mental health, support systems, and the long-term impact of celebrity culture.