Mahesh Bhatt, the saviour?
We meet Mahesh Bhatt in Dubai Media City, just as he completes a Geo TV interview. The outspoken Indian director may be ageing, but there's none of the jadedness or boredom that we'd associate with growing old. Open, welcoming and cheerful, he settles down for a free and frank chat, admitting that Dubai is 'home close to home'.
You are working with many Pakistani artists. Why aren't more films actually being made then?
We are currently working on collaborating with Pakistani producer/actor Humayun Saeed on a project that is essentially a Pakistani product, with 70% of the talent being theirs and 30% Indian and international.
In what way does the Bhatt camp endorse this project?
I give my creative force to the project and one of our ace writers, Shagufta Rafiq, makes her foray into direction. We want to kick start a process which will nurture, harness and tap Pakistani talent. They have the talent but sadly their industry is crumbling. This move should build the support for the cinema culture which exists in Pakistan.
Do you feel Dubai is a good place for an effective exchange of ideas between Pakistanis and Indians?
It is an excellent place where both communities coexist without any animosity.
You were here with your daughter Pooja a few days back shooting Kajra Re…
It was great (with a twinkle in his eyes)! It looks splendid on screen. Again, we have a great Indian and Pakistani team working on this film. We have well known Pakistani actors Tipu and Javed Shaikh as part of this project. It was lovely shooting here! The people here have a very friendly approach.
Tum Mile is ready to hit the theatres… Are your expectations high from nephew Emraan?
His work is amazing. Kunal Deshmukh has directed it extremely well and Soha's performance is breathtaking.
Songs pictured on Emraan in all your movies are super hits. Why?
He has Mahesh Bhatt who is lucky with songs (laughs). We work hard on songs, lyrics and moreover, we realise its importance in the movie.
Talking about Emraan again, why did you call a press conference for this apartment issue?
It was a shameful incident of a young Indian boy in secular India being deprived of buying a flat because he is a Muslim. He was just a face to the malice that goes far deeper than visible.
Has Emraan been able to purchase the apartment?
No, but the issue resulted in the Minister of Foreign Affairs introducing a Bill on the rights of the community.
Why do you love to get involved in controversies?
I've lived my life the way I wanted to. If that is controversial what can I do?
Has your comment on a controversy ever landed you in trouble?
I have never got in to trouble but I have paid a price for being myself.
MR CONTROVERSIAL
Mahesh Bhatt's take on the following:
Shiney's arrest
Heartbreaking tragedy! The Shiney that I knew cannot do what he is being accused of.
Shah Rukh's airport detention
It is not the first time that a Muslim is being treated badly after 9/11, which changed people's mindset.
Cross-border tensions
I want to create a world where I can say I want to go to Karachi and shoot, and then reach with just a visa.
Pakistan film industry
Pakistan needs to create icons. They can't have icons from across the border.
Anupamaa
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
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