Mahesh Bhatt needs no introduction in the Indian film industry. He is one of the most prominent directors, screenplay writers and producers. Hailing from a film family he knew about the filmmaking. In 1970 he dropped out of college to join films. He started off his career as an assistant director to director Raj Khosla. At the age of 21 he made his first film, Sakat in 1970.
The films of Mahesh Bhatt deal with psychological repercussions that are result out of the social norms. These situations lead to mental trauma and agony. Such film included both the stars from the parallel and commercial cinema. Bhatt is renowned to make both parallel films and mainstream flicks like comedy, action and thriller. Even in his commercial films he deals with realistic subjects. Of course they are diluted with a dose of music and dance.
The films of the serious genre have won him several awards. These include the following:
Filmfare Best Screenplay Award in 1982: Arth
Filmfare Best Story Award in 1985: Saaransh
National Film Award - Special Jury Award in 1994: Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke
Filmfare Best Story Award in 1999: Zakhm.
But the film that won him all the accolades is Saaransh (1984). It explores the anxiety of an old couple amidst a degrading society. The film starred Anupam Kher, Rohini Hattangadi and Soni Razdan. It was Arth (1982) with Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil and Raj Kiran that established Bhatt as one of the most sensitive directors of Bollywood.
Most of the films of Mahesh Bhatt explore human relations irrespective of their genre. The USP of his films are that they deal with the relations that are not often spoken about in the Indian society. He is one of the first filmmakers who dealt with extra-marital relations and deception with pathos.
He is also into film production and runs his production house, Vishesh Films which was established in 1987. Today Mahesh Bhatt is completely into production work. His last directorial venture was Kartoos. His entire career can be divided as a Director, Dialogue Writer, Presenter, Screenplay, Story Writer and Producer.
Mahesh Bhatt as Director
| Kartoos |
Criminal |
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke |
Daddy |
Kaash |
Vishwasghaat |
| Yeh Hai Mummbai Meri Jaan |
Naajayaz |
Sir |
Aashiqui |
Naam |
Manzilen Aur Bhi Hain |
| Zakhm |
The Gentleman |
Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi |
Jurm |
Janam |
|
| Angaarey |
Naaraaz |
Junoon |
Awaargi |
Aashiana |
|
| Tamanna |
Milan |
Saatwan Aasman |
Aaj |
Saransh |
|
| Dastak |
Tadipaar |
Sadak |
Abhimanyu |
Arth |
|
| Chahat |
Gunah |
Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin |
Kabzaa |
Lahu Ke Do Rang |
|
Mahesh Bhatt as Dialogue Writer
Mahesh Bhatt as Presenter
| Suicide Bomber |
The Killer |
| Dhokha |
Nazar |
Mahesh Bhatt as Screenplay Writer
| Rog |
Dushman |
| Inteha |
Haque |
| Footpath |
Saransh |
| Jism |
Arth |
| Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar |
|
Mahesh Bhatt as Story Writer
| Woh Lamhe |
Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar |
| Gangster |
Kasoor |
| Holiday |
Sangharsh |
| Kalyug |
Zakhm |
| Rog |
Tamanna |
| Paap |
Haque |
| Inteha |
Kaash |
| Footpath |
Janam |
| Jism |
Saransh |
| Gunaah |
Arth |
Mahesh Bhatt as Producer
| Aisa Kyon Hota Hai |
Papa Kehte Hain |
| Footpath |
Daddy |
| Saaya |
Haque |
| Gudgudee |
Naya Daur |
