Mahesh Bhatt (b. 1949)

Hindi director born and educated in Bombay. Son of film-maker Nanabhai Bhatt whose Jeevan Rekha (1974) he scripted. Dropped out of college in 1970. Former assistant to Raj Khosla. Along with N. Chandra and J.P. Dutta, one of an aggressive new generation of commercial Hindi film-makers whose early work was marked by psychological violence. Début film, Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain, was banned for 14 months by the censors, allegedly for mocking the ‘sacred institution of marriage’. His melodramas about illegitimacy and extra- marital affairs are more successful on video than as theatrical releases. Soap-opera sentimentalism is often given a voyeuristic edge by claiming autobiographical sources (notably his breakthrough film, Arth). His successful 90s films are often love stories starring daughter Pooja Bhatt (Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin). Shifted increasingly to Doordarshan (e.g. Daddy) and made the first film production of STAR’s Hindi channel Zee- TV, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi. Wrote a biography of U.G. Krishnamurthi. Currently editor of a video film magazine, and the TV series Swabhimaan written by pulp novelist Shobha De.

FILMOGRAPHY (* act only): 1973: Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain; 1976: Vishwasghaat; 1978: Naya Daur; 1979: Lahu Ke Do Rang; 1980: Abhimanyu; 1982: Arth; 1984: Saaransh; Sheeshe Ka Ghar*; 1985: Janam; 1986: Ashiana; Naam; 1987: Kaash; Thikana; Aaj; 1988: Kabzaa; 1989: Daddy; Zameen; 1990: Awaargi; Jurm; Aashiqui; 1991: Haq*; Deshwasi*; Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin; Swayam; Saathi; Sadak; 1992: Saatwan Asmaan; Junoon; Tadipaar; 1993: Gumrah; Gunah; Sir; Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi; Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke; 1994: Milan; Naraaz; Gentleman; Criminal; 1995: Najayaz; Papa Kehte Hain; 1995-: Swabhimaan (TV).