A FRIDAYMOVIEZ tribute to the legendary Mr. Bhatt on his 63rd Birthday today!
Mahesh Bhatt, is a prominent Indian film director, producer and screenwriter. Bhatt's early directional career consisted of acclaimed movies, such as 'Arth' and 'Saaransh'. He was later the writer of numerous commercial films in a range of genres, from dramas like 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke' and comedies like 'Duplicate', though he was mostly recognised for thrillers 'Jism', 'Murder' and 'Woh Lamhe'.
The director who turns 63 today, didn't just get his name through writing films! At the age of 21, Bhatt made his debut as a director, with the film 'Sakat' (1970) which was then followed by 'Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain' (1974).
In 1987 he turned producer when he set up his own banner, Vishesh Films, with his brother Mukesh Bhatt. He went on to become one of the most recognised directors of the Indian film industry in the coming decade, with the romantic production 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin' (1991).
He next directed 'Sadak' (1991) which remains his highest grossing work to date either directed or produced under his Vishesh Films. He won critical acclaim for 'Gumraah' and 'Criminal', along with the award-winning film, 'Sir' (1993), which saw Pooja Bhatt acting with Naseeruddin Shah. In 1994 he won the National Film Award - Special Jury Award for 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'.
He directed a TV series, 'Kabhie Kabhie', in 1997 which was written by Anurag Kashyap.
Following this, he directed dramas like 'Dastak' (1996), the debut film of Miss Universe 1994-turned-actress Sushmita Sen.
Thereafter, Bhatt retired a director, and took to screenwriting, churning out stories and screenplays for over twenty films, many of which were box-office successes, like 'Dushman', 'Kasoor', 'Paap', 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai' and 'Gangster'.
Mahesh Bhatt's critically acclaimed film 'Zakhm' (1998) won two National Awards and two filmfare awards. The 1999 film starred Ajay Devgn, Pooja Bhatt, Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre in leading roles.
Bhatt's films show an unusual engagement with the psychological damage arising from infringement of social norms, situations which are characteristic - deep mental and emotional damage and trauma.
These films provided challenges of characterization to their actors, who included both parallel and mainstream stars.
Bhatt is known for making both art films with realistic topics and commercial films which include a wide division of action, comedies and thrillers.
We wish the director, producer and writer a great year ahead!