It’s September 20th, and the air is buzzing with celebrations for Mahesh Bhatt, the renowned producer and director. Beyond his many memorable films, Bhatt is equally famous for having a sharp eye for talent. He’s often been the person to give numerous stars their crucial first break or a significant push in the film world. Let’s take a look at some of the familiar faces whose careers he helped shape.
The Big Break: From Newcomers to Blockbuster Stars
Mahesh Bhatt kicked off his directing journey with “Manzilen Aur Bhi Hain” in 1974. Since then, he’s not only crafted many popular movies but has also played a vital role in building countless careers. He seems to have a special knack for spotting potential, often being the first to recognize a star in the making.
Anu Aggarwal and Rahul Roy
Mahesh Bhatt launched Anu Aggarwal and Rahul Roy with the hit film “Aashiqui.” The movie’s music was an instant sensation, breaking all records. Both actors quickly became incredibly popular. “Aashiqui” also scooped up four Filmfare Awards, cementing its place in history.
John Abraham
John Abraham was truly a discovery of Mahesh Bhatt. He made a huge impact on the industry with the erotic thriller “Jism,” directed by Bhatt. John even won a Filmfare Award for Best Debut thanks to his powerful performance.
Bipasha Basu
Bipasha Basu gained significant recognition from the horror thriller “Raaz.” The film’s music is still remembered as one of the best albums. “Raaz” was a massive blockbuster and created a strong foundation for a successful film series. Mahesh Bhatt produced and wrote the script for this hit.
Emraan Hashmi
It’s fair to say that without Mahesh Bhatt, we might not have the star Emraan Hashmi we know today. Bhatt produced Emraan’s first film, “Footpath” (2003). He also produced “Murder” and wrote the story for “Zeher.” Bhatt produced “Kalyug” as well. “Gangster” truly established Emraan Hashmi in Bollywood. “Murder,” starring Emraan opposite Mallika Sherawat, also catapulted her to stardom.
Kangana Ranaut
Bollywood’s “Queen” Kangana Ranaut also got her big break from Mahesh Bhatt in the film “Gangster.” She starred alongside Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja in this movie. Her natural innocence quickly won over the entire industry. There were talks that “Gangster” was based on the lives of Abu Salem and Monica Bedi, but writer Anurag Basu denied these claims. Kangana Ranaut has since ventured into politics and is currently a Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Lisa Ray
Mahesh Bhatt also gave Lisa Ray a significant push in her career. He offered her a role in “Kasoor” opposite Aftab Shivdasani. Though she had done other films, “Kasoor” is where she truly made her mark in Bollywood.
Sonal Chauhan and Esha Gupta
Mahesh Bhatt gave Sonal Chauhan her break with the film “Jannat.” He produced this movie, which was a huge success both at home and internationally. Sonal Chauhan quickly became a favorite among young audiences. Later, Bhatt offered Esha Gupta roles in “Jannat 2” and “Raaz 3,” where her captivating screen presence enthralled everyone.
Sunny Leone
Mahesh Bhatt approached Sunny Leone while she was a contestant on “Bigg Boss.” He offered her the lead role in “Jism 2.” This film became a stepping stone for Sunny, propelling her to great heights of success. Today, Sunny Leone is a household name and needs no introduction.
Rhea Chakraborty
Rhea Chakraborty’s first Bollywood film, “Mere Dad Ki Maruti,” came out in 2013. She also had the chance to work in a Mahesh Bhatt production. Bhatt produced her 2018 film “Jalebi.”
A Glimpse Into His Family Life
Speaking of Mahesh Bhatt’s personal journey, he was first married to Kiran Bhatt. They have two children, Pooja Bhatt and Rahul Bhatt. The relationship with Kiran Bhatt eventually ended. He then married Soni Razdan. Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan have two daughters, Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt. Both Pooja Bhatt and Alia Bhatt are prominent figures in the entertainment industry today, carrying on a legacy of talent.
