Mr X from Vishesh Films' stable starring Emraan Hashmi-Amyra Dastur in lead role is just round the corner. The time is right to meet Mahesh Bhatt. Excerpts from a candid chat with the filmmaker:
Your father produced and directed a film called Mr X in 1957. How is this Mr X different?
Vikram Bhatt came up with an idea of making a story of an invisible man. It instantly reminded me of my dad’s film Mr.X starring the great Ashok Kumar. The film's famous song Lal Lal Gaal by Johny Walker was a big hit. Nostalgia hit me big time. The invisible man added up to make a deadly combo.
That doesn't answer my question...
It would be absurd to say that the Emraan starrer is drawn from any story which has been done before, it's a fresh story where a good cop is compelled to walk on the wrong side.
Why Emraan Hashmi in the lead role?
Recently, Kapil Sharma cracked a joke on TV that there are two things common in a Mahesh Bhatt film, once upon a time it used to be Avtar Gill and now its Emraan (pauses). Emraan is special to me, my family's blood runs in him
You made Brand Emraan- but he is going through a lean phase now...
There is no denying that Emraan is going through a low phase. But you see, there are four seasons in life of every actor. The first season finds the actor acquiring potential, the second season finds him arriving on the scene, the third season finishes him off and the fourth season brings him back. Right now, Emraan is in his third season. People are saying he is finished but post Mr X they'll say he's back.
Are you supporting Emraan because his fourth season is due or is it because he is your nephew?
I am supporting him because: A) He is a very talented actor B) I love him a lot.
Did you sit him down during this low phase?
Emraan knows that whatever I say comes from pure affection, so he always welcomes it. But he doesn't need sit-down sessions. He doesn't need tutoring. He is a man with a creative mind.
You have stopped directing films. What's your role in Vishesh Films now?
I decide what direction our company takes with respect to content and budget.
Will we see you direct again?
That's a dead story. Director Mahesh Bhatt has been consigned to the dustbin of history. I am doing what I do the best- encouraging younger people to find their voice in the industry. That is far more fulfilling than making films.
Vikram Bhatt returned to Vishesh Films after 10 years. There was a period when you'll weren't in touch with him...
Yes. Vikram's story is the 'return of the prodigal son'. He returned to make a promise that he would make a smash hit for us which he delivered in Raaz 3. Mr X is going to be another hit from him.
You have sung for Mr X...
Well, I was made to sing by Jeet Ganguly. He would sing and I would join in when we were working on the lyrics.One day he turned around and said that he wanted me to sing in the film. I thought he was joking. He said he wants a bass voice. But no regrets, I like the song (grins).
More often than not, Vishesh Films gets the music right...
Each one of us in our company is better than the other when it comes to music. Moreover, we have the patience to lend our ears to new talent in the market.
Does singing run in the family? Your daughter Alia...
(Interrupts) It can't always be that children should learn from their parents. It ought to be vice-versa too. I am delighted to follow my daughter but I must admit that I haven't touched 1/10th of what she did with her first song (Sooha Saha in Imtiaz Ali's Highway, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala).
Four of your movies are being converted into novels..
Arth (1982), Saaransh (1984), Zakhm (1998) and Janam (1985) are being converted into novels. Also, I am working on my autobiography.
What makes you think that your autobiography...
(Smiles and Interrupts) I don't think my autobiography is required. I don't think if I don't tell my story the world would be more soft. But if I can create something engaging from my memories for a publisher who is a friend, then why not?
You love telling your own story in some form or the other, whether it's Woh Lamhe or Hamaari Adhuri Kahani...
There is nothing private about a human being. Why should my life be a secret?
Your father produced and directed a film called Mr X in 1957. How is this Mr X different?
Vikram Bhatt came up with an idea of making a story of an invisible man. It instantly reminded me of my dad’s film Mr.X starring the great Ashok Kumar. The film's famous song Lal Lal Gaal by Johny Walker was a big hit. Nostalgia hit me big time. The invisible man added up to make a deadly combo.
That doesn't answer my question...
It would be absurd to say that the Emraan starrer is drawn from any story which has been done before, it's a fresh story where a good cop is compelled to walk on the wrong side.
Why Emraan Hashmi in the lead role?
Recently, Kapil Sharma cracked a joke on TV that there are two things common in a Mahesh Bhatt film, once upon a time it used to be Avtar Gill and now its Emraan (pauses). Emraan is special to me, my family's blood runs in him
You made Brand Emraan- but he is going through a lean phase now...
There is no denying that Emraan is going through a low phase. But you see, there are four seasons in life of every actor. The first season finds the actor acquiring potential, the second season finds him arriving on the scene, the third season finishes him off and the fourth season brings him back. Right now, Emraan is in his third season. People are saying he is finished but post Mr X they'll say he's back.
Are you supporting Emraan because his fourth season is due or is it because he is your nephew?
I am supporting him because: A) He is a very talented actor B) I love him a lot.
Did you sit him down during this low phase?
Emraan knows that whatever I say comes from pure affection, so he always welcomes it. But he doesn't need sit-down sessions. He doesn't need tutoring. He is a man with a creative mind.
You have stopped directing films. What's your role in Vishesh Films now?
I decide what direction our company takes with respect to content and budget.
Will we see you direct again?
That's a dead story. Director Mahesh Bhatt has been consigned to the dustbin of history. I am doing what I do the best- encouraging younger people to find their voice in the industry. That is far more fulfilling than making films.
Vikram Bhatt returned to Vishesh Films after 10 years. There was a period when you'll weren't in touch with him...
Yes. Vikram's story is the 'return of the prodigal son'. He returned to make a promise that he would make a smash hit for us which he delivered in Raaz 3. Mr X is going to be another hit from him.
You have sung for Mr X...
Well, I was made to sing by Jeet Ganguly. He would sing and I would join in when we were working on the lyrics.One day he turned around and said that he wanted me to sing in the film. I thought he was joking. He said he wants a bass voice. But no regrets, I like the song (grins).
More often than not, Vishesh Films gets the music right...
Each one of us in our company is better than the other when it comes to music. Moreover, we have the patience to lend our ears to new talent in the market.
Does singing run in the family? Your daughter Alia...
(Interrupts) It can't always be that children should learn from their parents. It ought to be vice-versa too. I am delighted to follow my daughter but I must admit that I haven't touched 1/10th of what she did with her first song (Sooha Saha in Imtiaz Ali's Highway, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala).
Four of your movies are being converted into novels..
Arth (1982), Saaransh (1984), Zakhm (1998) and Janam (1985) are being converted into novels. Also, I am working on my autobiography.
What makes you think that your autobiography...
(Smiles and Interrupts) I don't think my autobiography is required. I don't think if I don't tell my story the world would be more soft. But if I can create something engaging from my memories for a publisher who is a friend, then why not?
You love telling your own story in some form or the other, whether it's Woh Lamhe or Hamaari Adhuri Kahani...
There is nothing private about a human being. Why should my life be a secret?
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