Losing Zakhm, Finding Laughter: Gulshan Grover's Honest Revelation!

A fascinating story was recently told by veteran actor Gulshan Grover, who portrayed the legendary antagonist Kabira in Priyadarshan's 2000 masterpiece Hera Pheri. He revealed in a recent interview that a scheduling conflict prevented him from appearing in the highly acclaimed, National Award-winning movie Zakhm, which was directed by his favorite Mahesh Bhatt. In the end, Saurabh Shukla was chosen for the position.

Gulshan Grover mentioned in a tabloid interview how his loyalty to Hera Pheri ultimately cost him the opportunity to appear in Zakhm, which starred Ajay Devgn in the lead role.

He explained that he had planned to shoot Hera Pheri between 7 AM and 12 PM. The Sardar role, which eventually went to Saurabh Shukla, was then supposed to be played by him and Mahesh Bhatt at 1 PM.

Grover claimed that if he had taken the job at Zakhm, his chances would have been greater. But contrary to what he had previously agreed, he was informed when he arrived on the spot that the shoot would not begin until 12 PM.

The delay resulted from the Standard Mill set, which the filmmakers intended to use for key scenes, requiring natural sunlight at a specific angle.

As the video crew waited for the perfect sunbeam, he described his situation by stating that he was weighed down by his own professional commitments. The crew argued that he couldn't leave at 12 PM every day because the sun hadn't reached the proper position before then, so he eventually quit the project.

Gulshan Grover revealed that it was filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt who ultimately recommended that he choose Hera Pheri over Zakhm. He disclosed that Bhatt, production managers, and producers were still debating the schedule conflict.

Grover turned to the filmmaker, whom he considers a godfather and often seeks advice from for both professional and personal matters. When Mahesh Bhatt failed to alter the production dates, Grover was compelled to abandon Zakhm and commit to filming Hera Pheri's climax over ten days.

Who is ‘James Cameron’ of Indian cinema, revelation by Mahesh Bhatt!

Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra has been making buzz due to its box office performances and top-notch visual treat for audiences. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt Brahmastra 1 starrer is loved by all; now all concentration are on part 2 and 3 of the trilogy. Lately, in a media conversation, the veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt admired Ayan Mukerji and film Brahmastra.

When interviewed about the change in filmmaking now, Mahesh Bhatt instantly replied, “I was dazzled by Brahmastra. When I saw the film, I felt that this is a quantum leap and I have no hesitation in saying that Ayan is the James Cameron of the Indian cinema world.” Mahesh Bhatt further revealed, “Of course, it required a Disney and the likes of Uday Shankar and Karan Johar and the support of Ranbir and Alia and Ayan’s entire team, but I think that it is something quite amazing.”

Mahesh Bhatt went on to admire Ayan Mukerji’s courage and revealed, “There is a filmmaker here who says that I am going to stand up and make movies which are going to be as good as the best content that is created by the world. And so, it’s playing overseas. Just standing up and mesmerising them by being rooted in India. They are rooted here and yet they are very contemporary in their packaging and the way it looks. It has the breath of India. It’s not referenced from somewhere, it comes from his own DNA, his own gene pool.”

Soni Razdan’s loveable anniversary message for hubby Mahesh Bhatt!

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt had tied the knot. Now the Bhatts and Kapoors families have been in celebratory mode ever since and rightfully so. Todays, it's Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan’s 36th wedding anniversary. On this occasion, Soni Razdan posted a throwback photo of herself with Mahesh Bhatt as she penned a sweet note for her hubby.

She also posted a recent pic of herself with Mahesh Bhatt wherein she was seen holding on to her main man. In the caption Soni wrote, “‘Age cannot wither her nor custom stale her infinite variety’. This quote about Cleopatra could well apply to our marriage as well. Happy Anniversary old chap. Cheers to many more fun times ahead”. On this post, Neetu Kapoor shared Soni and Mahesh’s pic on her Instagram story and wished them on their big day. She wrote, “Happy anniversary samdhan and samdhiji. Love and hugs” along with a heart emoticon.

Alia Bhatt says my father is the Youth Icon of the Year!

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who received the Youth Icon of the Year honour at an event here from her father for the first time, told he was best suited for the title.

Alia was at the Vogue Women of the Year event here on Saturday night. Filmmaker Karan Johar was the host for the all-star night, read a statement.

On getting the award, the "Student Of The Year" revealed, "This is the first time my father is presenting an award to me. What's most special tonight is the fact that my father is standing right next to me, way past his bedtime. Let me tell you that he sleeps at 9 p.m. and wakes up at 5 a.m. and goes and does Pilates and cardio. I don't think that I'm the Youth Icon of the Year. My father is the Youth Icon of the Year."

Alia will soon be directed by her father for the first time in "Sadak 2", which also features her step sister Pooja Bhatt. And she is looking forward to the experience.

A total of 20 influential names were awarded across several fields like law, entertainment, fashion, journalism, sports, women's empowerment and philanthropy were felicitated for their efforts at the event.

Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt starrer Sadak 2’s release date has revealed!

Sanjay Dutt, Pooja Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt

After the stupendous success of Sadak, Mahesh Bhatt is all set to revive the film. It will be Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt reenacting the lead roles in the film being produced by Mukesh Bhatt. Before unveiling the stars, makers have shared the release date of the film. The film is all set to release on November 15, 2019.

Pooja Bhatt, who is making a comeback with the film, previously shared a photo of Sanjay with Mahesh Bhatt where the former is seen showing off his Shiva tattoo to him. Pooja captioned the image, "And Mahesh whispers to Sanju what Shiva is really all about- “Shiva is an illuminator, protector, teacher of the ultimate wisdom in silence. We get comfort only when we abandon everything that we hold dearly to ourselves and seek refuge in that Rudra, totally resigning, and surrendering to that energy!” #Shiva #Mahesh #Sadak2 #actorsanddirectors #sanjaydutt #maheshbhatt #tattoo #shivatattoo #behindthescenes #candidcamera."

Speaking about Sadak 2, Mahesh Bhatt had revaled to a daily, "Sanjay who was 32 when we made the original, comes back as a 54-year-old Ravi into the 21st-century world that is collapsing in front of his eyes, where the distinction between the house and the ‘sadak’ is fast disappearing. The story has the emotional connect of the films I made back in the’90s which brought a lump to the throats of the viewer. I could see that in the reaction of those present at the narration. They were visibly moved."

Pooja Bhatt, who worked in Sadak revealed that Sadak 2 is going to be about Sanjay from start to end. She had told, "While my character is unique, it is going to be about Sanju from the first frame to the last. It’s my father’s ode to him."

It will be exciting to see who gets onboard with Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt.

Mahesh Bhatt opens up about Brand Mahesh Bhatt in Alia Bhatt!

Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt

In a very little time, Alia Bhatt has carved her niche in the world of Bollywood. The daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, Alia has made her father proud with flawless performances in flicks like Raazi, Udta Punjab and others.

When a daily questioned Mahesh on how it feels to be a father to India's brightest star, Alia, the proud father beamed, "Alia’s success is phenomenal and it’s totally her own doing. She ventured all by herself into this very tough business and has surprised me with her own toughness," and he further added, "Brand Mahesh Bhatt has found a new lease thanks to Alia."

Speaking fondly about Alia, Mahesh revealed, "Alia is graceful enough to concede to me that she doesn’t allow herself permission to venture too close to me. I can be overwhelming. When Alia says to me that sometimes it takes her two days just to prepare to come and see me, I know what she means. I can often be too much to take. Too much to bear. But now, according to her, I’m getting calmer. So she’s getting more comfortable with my outpourings."

Alia Bhatt’s late-night dinner with Ranbir in presence of dad Mahesh Bhatt!

Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt

Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are the alleged lovebirds of Bollywood. Recently, Ranbir was spotted at Alia's home having a late-night dinner. The photographs of the two have gone viral on the web and in the photographs, you also get to see Alia’s father, director and producer Mahesh Bhatt. 

In the photograph, they are seen standing at the terrace and discussing something. 

Failure doesn't scare me, reveals Alia Bhatt!

Bollywood’s bubbly actress Alia Bhatt was "heartbroken" after the "Shaandaar" fiasco. But she tells she is now more prepared to face failure.

The daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt spoke about the ups and downs in her career with megastar Shah Rukh Khan in an episode of "Lux Golden Divas- Baatein with the Badshah", read a report. 

"Touch wood, 90 percent of my films fared well at the box office. But there has been one failure, and because of that failure, I am calmer... Some strange reason. 'Shaandaar' didn't work at the box office. I was heartbroken. I could not believe it," Alia told. 

"I turned to my father. He was the only person I was speaking to and then I went on a holiday solo to mourn the loss.” she said further.

Alia added further, "I felt terrible, but after that, I felt 'ho Gaya' (it's done). The bandage has been ripped. I have faced my first failure, and I will be ready for whatever comes. Getting up after the failure is very different. My father sent me this poster with Frank Sinatra's quote 'The best revenge is the massive success'." 

On the work front, she is busy with Meghna Gulzar's "Raazi", slated to release on May 11, 2018.

Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt clicked together for Sadak 2?

Recently, Sanjay Dutt was spotted with Mahesh Bhatt and his daughter Pooja Bhatt in the city. While Sanjay looked elegant in a casual tee and denim, Pooja looked lovely in a black floral kurta and white trousers. Mahesh, on the other side, looked dapper in a black shirt and denim.

If hearsays are to be believed, the three are working together for Sadak 2. It looks like scripting on the same has officially begun. Previously when Sanjay was questioned about it by a tabloid, he specified, "If 'Sadak 2' ever happens, I would love to do it."

Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt begin scripting for Sadak 2!

Film Sadak's sequel has been in news for a long time. Seems like scripting on the same has officially begun.

Pooja Bhatt who was part of the original took to Instagram to share a picture of her father Mahesh Bhatt while they discussed the script for Sadak 2. She captioned the image, "Sadak2 in session... #Sadak2 #MaheshBhatt #MukeshBhatt #SanjayDutt #PoojaBhatt #Sadak #cultfilm #scriptsession #filmmaking #filmmakinglife."

We wonder if Sanjay Dutt will be part of the film as well.

Previously when Sanjay was questioned about it by a daily, he specified, "If 'Sadak 2' ever happens, I would love to do it." Recently, during an interaction with a leading daily's weekly magazine, Pooja spoke at length about making Sadak 2. She stated, "It will not be a remake of the original and no, I am not in talks with Alia to reprise my role." She added, "The story will start from where we left it. It is difficult to imagine Sadak without Maharani (played by the late Sadashiv Amrapurkar), but it would be incomplete without Sanjay Dutt."

Mahesh Bhatt feels as Alia is deadly combination of an actor, a writer and a director!

Filmmaker and director Mahesh Bhatt like any other devoted father is always showering praises for his daughter and actress Alia Bhatt. At a very young age, Alia has been showing her prowess as a leading lady.

As per a famous tabloid, Mahesh specified that there are no limitations as to what his daughter can achieve. He told, "There are no finishing points, life has no full stop, so Alia Bhatt also has no full stop. We must not cease to be generous to our children or to be too eager to say this is her finishing point."

But, he thinks that Alia should not feel that she has 'arrived'. "How can this girl feel she has arrived? She has the audacity and the courage to demolish herself at the end of the day — even after receiving applause — when she sees a brilliant performance of an actor such as Meryl Streep," the filmmaker told.

He further added, "I keep telling her, ‘Alia, why don’t you watch all the movies of Meryl Streep? She is an amazing actor’."

But does Bhatt feel that his daughter has peaked in her career way too early? He disclosed, "I don’t worry about people saying she has peaked too early; she’s peaked according to the limits of the skies that people have in their own minds. I think she’s just warming up."

As per Mahesh, a great performance happens with a "deadly combination of an actor, a writer or a director". "I am aware that whatever Alia has achieved is because of that deadly combination of these three factors," he told.

"I don't think it's fair in the 21st century to impose your limitation on a generation that is just about waking up to its own appetite. I think, for Alia, the possibilities are inexhaustible," Bhatt ended his conversation.

No direction of Shashank Khaitan for Aashiqui 3!

After the enormous success of Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor's Aashiqui 2, the third installment of the movie Aashiqui 3 is perhaps one of the most awaited movies. The movie has been in news for quite some time now. But, no official confirmation has been made as yet which has left space for several speculations.  

Now, the rumor mills were abuzz with the rumors of Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt coming together for Aashiqui 3 and also suggested that Badrinath Ki Dulhania's director Shashank Khaitan will be directing the movie.

When we communicated Mahesh Bhatt to confirm the reports, he dismissed it telling that none of this is true.

News of Shashank directing the movie started doing the rounds when Alia and Shashank were spotted together outside Mahesh Bhatt's office lately.

When we asked the filmmaker if rumours of Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra finally doing the film are true, he nonchalantly replied telling, "Rumours, Rumours, Rumours."

Previously talking about Aashiqui 3, Sidharth had told, "I am in talks for 'Aashiqui 3' with Alia Bhatt, but nothing has been confirmed."

Alia's sister Shaheen Bhatt is also co-writing the script. If reports are to be believed, Alia will be seen playing the role of a singer in the third franchise.

Previously, Mahesh Bhatt had gone on record to say that the duo is far from officially signing the movie. "I don't think you can say that they are anyway official close to putting their pen on paper to say yes to that (film). It is an incorrect assumption to say that they are a part of Aashiqui 3," he had told.

No Sanjay Dutt and Alia Bhatt’s Jodi for Naam sequel!

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who is presently busy shooting for his upcoming film Bhoomi, hit headlines after news suggested that the actor has given his nod for the sequel to Mahesh Bhatt's 1986 film Naam. 

The news even suggested that the actor will be seen essaying the role of a father to Alia Bhatt in the film. 

So, we got in touch with Mahesh Bhatt to know if there is any truth to the story. Rebutting the rumours, Bhatt told, "No truth. This is merely a rumour."

When asked if there are any discussions in place on a future collaboration for Naam's sequel, the director further added, "Even if I want to I can't. Naam is late Rajendra Kumar's property."

The 1986 film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and produced by Rajendra Kumar. The film starring Nutan, Sanjay Dutt, Kumar Gaurav, Poonam Dhillon, Amrita Singh and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles was a blockbuster and is regarded as a milestone in the careers of director Mahesh Bhatt, Paresh Rawal and Sanjay Dutt. 

Speaking about Naam, Mahesh Bhatt in an earlier interview told, "Even though it was a two-hero project, Rajendra Kumar knew that the audience’s sympathies would eventually swing from Kumar Gaurav’s character Ravi to Sanju’s bad boy Vicky.”

He even praised Sanju's act in the movie. “I never saw that kind of focus in Sanju again. With his stunning performance, he broke people’s, heart. We became a lifelong friend and years later, on the eve of his departure to the Yerwada Jail, I remember sitting with him and feeling as helpless as Kumar Gaurav’s character in Naam because there was so little that I could do for him," the filmmaker had told in a previous interview.

Alia Bhatt’s no for father Mahesh Bhatt’s film!

Gorgeous actress Alia Bhatt is presently riding high on the success of her lately released film Badrinath Ki Dulhania. The film crossed the 100-crore club last week and Alia as well as Varun Dhawan's act were much-admired by the viewers and critics alike. 

There were news that were doing the rounds of Alia maybe starring in the sequel of her father Mahesh Bhatt's movie Sadak which had starred Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt. In the sequel, Alia was supposedly going to essay Sanjay and Pooja's daughter.

But when we communicated a source close to the actress, they repudiated the news and said it was not true. 

Previously, in an interview with a famous tabloid, Alia had admitted that she would love to work under her dad's production banner. She told, "My father won’t direct a film again. He has made it very clear. He calls himself an extinct volcano because he doesn’t want to direct again. But I will work with the production house."

In the meantime, after taking a break for a few months, Alia will start shooting for Ayan Mukerji's next Dragon. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and we will be seeing Alia and Ranbir for the first time on screen. 

Alia will also be starring in Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy. The film is about street rappers and stars Ranveer Singh. Alia will be collaborating in a film for the first time with Ranveer Singh as well.

My relationship with my family has evolved with the time, reveals Alia Bhatt!

Chirpy actress Alia Bhatt has moved to a new house with her sister, and tells her relationship with her family members especially parents has only evolved over the years.

Alia revealed, "I am not living all alone. I am living with my sister. I feel my relationship with my family has evolved. Every relationship evolves with time. We are going through a phase where we are like friends like my mother, my father."

"We are busy living our own lives, but we find a great amount of comfort with each other. Earlier, we were not interacting in that way. Now it has kind of changed, it's become different," she further added.

Daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress-director Soni Razdan, Alia has carved her own niche in Bollywood at a young age.

After proving her resourcefulness with movies like "Highway", "2 States" and "Udta Punjab", she is now looking forward to yet another fresh act in "Dear Zindagi", which sees her sharing the frame with megastar Shah Rukh Khan. It is directed by Gauri Shinde.

"Gauri is a strong woman and very focused. She knows exactly what she wants. I don't see any difference between a man director and a women director. She is a unique director. She talks about simple things in a simple way and they have such a profound effect on you," the 23-year-old told.

"Dear Zindagi" is a slice-of-life movie with Alia playing the protagonist - an aspiring filmmaker, who is on the lookout for a lot of unanswered queries. The movie also features Ali Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor and Angad Bedi.

Alia Bhatt clarifies about ‘Keeping up with the Bhatts’ remark!

Chirpy star Alia Bhatt along with father Mahesh Bhatt is ready to make an appearance on Vogue BFFs and here is something peculiar that will make you look forward to the episode even more.  

Pointed out by the host that Alia had once told that she wants to do her own version of Keeping up with the Kardashians, ‘Keeping up with the Bhatts’, Alia swiftly explained, “I am secretive! But these things I say, I just say it for fun. I don’t actually probably feel like we should do something like that. But, it would be crazy! It would be a crazy, crazy thing and we would make a lot of money! Which is why I wanted to do it in the first place.”

“I also want to make the money! I need to buy the shoes and the bags,” she further added.

Alia Bhatt to ring in mom Soni Razdan's birthday in Maldives!

Chirpy actress Alia Bhatt has the coolest gift for her mother Soni Razdan on her birthday. The veteran actress will turn 60 this year on October 25, and Alia has selected the impeccable present for her mother dearest. 

Alia is all set appear on Vogue's BFFs with her BFF Mahesh Bhatt. During the Style Files segment of the show, host Kamal Sidhu uncovered the magazine's cover shot of Sidharth Malhotra and Alia together that was shot on a beach in Maldives. Father Mahesh Bhatt was in all praise of the cover shot and even reminded his daughter that it was clicked in Maldives. To this, Alia excitedly responded: “Where I’m taking you, by the way, for a holiday! It’s my mother’s birthday!” 

Alia Bhatt’s first film with father Mahesh Bhatt has revealed!

While rumor mill had it that Hrithik Roshan and Sonam Kapoor will be seen romancing each other in Aashiqui 3, now it's been confirmed that Sidharth Malhotra and his rumored girlfriend Alia Bhatt will be playing the lead roles in the romantic musical.

The movie will be produced by Alia's dad Mahesh Bhatt, his brother Mukesh Bhatt and Bhushan Kumar and the makers are currently working on the movie's script. Mohit Suri will be directing the film and he wants Sid to sing a song in it.

While Alia has already sung a few songs for her movies, this movie will mark Sidharth's singing debut. Alia and Sid have previously worked together in Student Of The Year and Kapoor & Sons.

Vidya Balan’s Hamari Adhuri Kahani with Emraan Hashmi!

Vidya Balan is presently hard at work on Hamari Adhuri Kahani directed by Mohit Suri. The romantic drama also stars Emraan Hashmi, and Rajkummar Rao. Written by Mahesh Bhatt, supposedly based on real life, the movie is set to release in June next year.

It seems that it was Vidya and only Vidya for the starring role in the movie tells director Mohit Suri and star Emraan Hashmi. In fact, we heard that the Mr. Bhatt wrote the role with her in mind and he to say the movie would only be done with her in the lead role.

Talking about the movie in a previously interview, Vidya told, “All I can say is that it is an intense love story and I haven’t done a love story after Parineeta.”

Emraan Hashmi was actually not so sure about doing the movie: he said journalists, “It’s a very interesting film. It’s my first out-and-out love story. I haven’t played such a character. It is a space I was a bit cautious to experiment with till I heard the script from Mahesh Bhatt.”

In the end, he determined to give it the green light and tells, “It is a very heartfelt and touching story.”

It seems that Rajkummar Rao’s part is just a special appearance but nevertheless it was a very challenging one, “I am doing a special appearance in the film. Bhatt sir (Mahesh Bhatt) really wanted me to play this part and I love him too much, can’t say ‘no’ to him. It’s a really challenging part for me, so that’s also the reason I thought I should do this special appearance because it’s going to challenge me as an actor.”

Mohit Suri has revealed a bit about the story telling, “The best love stories are never the complete ones. That’s Humari Adhuri Kahani.”

Mahesh Bhatt agreed and before the start of the shoot in October posted, “Humari Adhuri Kahani …Real Love Stories Never Have Endings. This film which has flowered from our hearts will live forever!”