|
"I have a competition with God..."
Mahesh Bhatt
|
He's one of India's most prolific film makers stirring a dust of controversy with his work and life. He grabs headlines both on and off screen. His films create imperfect characters and situations, and are a reflection of the society and ourselves. Bhatt is eclectic, brilliant and opinionated.
Shaaditimes meets the film maker on the eve of the release of his latest film Woh Lamhe, based on yesteryear superstar Parveen Babi that is also an autobiographical expose of Bhatt's sensational relationship with the star during her hey days leading up to her fight and eventually defeat to the disease schizophrenia. This film isn't exempt from the Bhatt controversies and is generating comment, criticism and debate from both media and the public for not only exposing the private life and sensitive circumstance of Parveen Babi's life, but also for the autobiographical nuances in the movie related to Bhatt.
"Woh Lamhe is my story," says Bhatt. "It's my memories of the time I spent with Parveen Babi while she was alive and we were involved. It's the story of my time with her. Me, as a struggling director involved in a very public and illicit relationship with a top star," says Bhatt. He continues, "I don't know why there has been objection in certain circles to this autobiographical account. I think everybody has a right to express him or herself. This movie is my farewell tribute, to my memories, of Parveen Babi and I hope also a tribute to the frailties of the human spirit."
On memory
"I know why human beings have always tried to keep their dead alive: We try to keep them alive in order to keep them with us. This story is the evolution of a man-woman relationship: starting with them having a good time and following their relationship as it unravels in front of their eyes and the worlds," states Bhatt and furiously disagrees with his critics on going public with the tapes that are the foundation on which the movie is based. "My first wife Kiran found the tapes which Parveen had recorded while she alive-personal love letters-to me. When I heard them I felt a void inside of myself and realized that I had to make a film on our story," he says. "Nostalgia is pain and it is cathartic to let it go through the process of creativity."
His critics
To the nay sayers Bhatt says, "I don't give a damn what the world has to say. There have been many more famous than I that have made films on their private lives. I think as a film maker it is my right.," he continues, "I would rather be an artist in the gutter than in drawing room if I have to compromise my integrity, my thoughts, my principles."
Women in his life
Off-screen Bhatt has and is surrounded by strong, intelligent women. His first wife Kiran. "She was the first woman I was involved with at the age of 21 while she was in the orphanage and was 15. She's soft and kind. Parveen Babi was the relationship outside the bounds. It was a pure extra-marital affair. To me she was a woman of extreme charm, and grace and I was extremely attracted to her for all this and also because she was a star," muses Bhatt. "My present wife Soni is dexterous, strong-willed and passionate."
What do all three women have in common?
"The ability to forgive," says the filmmaker and pauses. "the ability to forgive me for my inadequacies."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask our Experts :
Personality Development, Immigration (US), Tarot, Hot Couture, Face Value, Matrimonial Laws, Infertility, Life, etc, Gender Wars, Shaping Up. |
|
 |
|
Copyright © 1999-2010 shaaditimes.com - A relationship and Indian wedding portal by Shaadi.com. - All Rights Reserved.
All trademarks, logos and names are properties of their respective owners.
|
