"A critic has to tear you apart to make a living" - Mahesh Bhatt 
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 3, 2009 - 17:01 IST
The veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has given us films like Naya Daur, Saransh, Naam, Aashiqui and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke to name a few, and has even tried his hands in every department of filmmaking. After taking retirement from film direction, Mahesh Bhatt has been completely into writing and producing films for his home banner- Vishesh Films. This multi-talented personality was live on Bollywood Hungama's Celeb Chat to interact with his fans on his film Raaz -TMC of which he is the producer.
But, those who have missed it have one more chance to make most of it, as Bollywood Hungama brings the live chat excerpts. Enjoy it!
Mahesh Bhatt: Hi All
XYREO: hello sir... how does it feel to be ruling at the BO?
Mahesh Bhatt: Great...Never felt better...Mohit has finally made it...Its great to see your juniors strike Gold.
Dipsy: Hello sir, I am big fan of your films.
Mahesh Bhatt: Thank you Dipsy...i owe whatever I am today to people like you...Where would I be without you.
XYREO: what about Raaz 3, will it have Adhyayan in it?
Mahesh Bhatt: No...Raaz 3 will have one thing for certain - Mohit Suri...everything else will be worked upon after the script is clear.
XYREO: what about Raaz 3, will it have Adhyayan in it?
Mahesh Bhatt: No...Raaz 3 will have one thing for certain - Mohit Suri...everything else will be worked upon after the script is clear.
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Dipsy: when can we see you again directing film?
Mahesh Bhatt: Never Dipsy...The page has turned...there are younger, brighter, more talented guys on the block. They need to sing their song now. I love making people nowadays not making films.
XYREO: Are you planning to make Raaz 3?
Mahesh Bhatt: Yes certainly...after the phenomenal success of Raaz 2...Raaz 3, Raaz 4, Raaz 5...even Raaz 1000 is inevitable.
Dude: will you continue with the horror genre from here on?
Mahesh Bhatt: We make all kinds of films...Horror is one of the genre that we have been able to use effectively but that doesn't mean we wont be making other kind of films...Our next release is Jashnn which is a musical drama followed by Tum Mile which is a love story set against the disaster that hit Mumbai on the 26th of July.
Dude:will you continue with the horror genre from here on?
Mahesh Bhatt: We make all kinds of films...Horror is one of the genre that we have been able to use effectively but that doesn't mean we wont be making other kind of films...Our next release is Jashnn which is a musical drama followed by Tum Mile which is a love story set against the disaster that hit Mumbai on the 26th of July.
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XYREO: ppl say that u make over work your cast members... what would u say to them?
Mahesh Bhatt: Never was a truer word said...I am a workaholic and I expect people to match my energy and my pace.
XYREO: what inspired you to make a film like Raaz-TMC?
Mahesh Bhatt: Money...Money and only Money...and of course some fun with the New Special Effects Technology which we have access to now in India
Dipsy: Sir, young always create films, which are very close to reality, but why you've not tried something in FICTION, Sci-Fi or Out An out Comedy film?
Mahesh Bhatt: I did make Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin , Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke ....Sci-Fi is not my cup of tea but never say never....some directors may come up with an interesting sci-fi idea and we make it..
JAY: Sir why do u always have such an awesome music in every movie of urs?
Mahesh Bhatt: Jay....to be honest...I have a ear for music...I sing very well...and Fortunately most of my core team which works in the creative cell also have this unique talent of picking up the great tunes.
XYREO: the music of the film has become a rage, but which is your favorite track from it?
Mahesh Bhatt: No Prizes for Guessing...its Maahi.
XYREO: do you think animation is picking up in films in India???
Mahesh Bhatt: I said yes it is but Bollywood is still Animation Phobic and to make a good animation film requires a lot of story telling skills which do not come easy...simplicity...simplicity...simplicity is the essence of a good animation film. We guys in Bollywood get away with a lot of bullshit in our usual films but in animation you are stripped bare.
JAY: what you have to say about Mohit Suri?
Mahesh Bhatt: Mohit has evolved and struck form with Raaz-TMC but he has miles to go...He is certainly one of the brightest kids in Bollywood.
JAY: what you have to say about Mohit Suri?
Mahesh Bhatt: Mohit has evolved and struck form with Raaz-TMC but he has miles to go...He is certainly one of the brightest kids in Bollywood.
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Rohit: hi sir...saw Raaz...i loved it!!
Mahesh Bhatt: Now...Haven't you made my day...The sun shines suddenly brighter up there in the sky...Thank you for your generosity ehh...Praise always Helps ...Don't trust a person who says it doesn't.
XYREO: when can we hear u singing sir?
Mahesh Bhatt: I tried to muster courage to go before the mike but inevitable back out making way for some younger talent...soon I'd say to be honest.
XYREO: sir then what about you... do u also belong to those who are animation phobic?
Mahesh Bhatt: Moreover, the market place is Phobic so there is no point of one person being brave
a_z: sir what is your take on the Golden Globe and Oscar Awards.... do you think they are fixed?
Mahesh Bhatt: I don't know and I don't care but they are marketing events so somebody, somewhere has got to be pulling the strings to get things going for him / her.
a_z: sir what is your take on the Golden Globe and Oscar Awards.... do you think they are fixed?
Mahesh Bhatt: I don't know and I don't care but they are marketing events so somebody, somewhere has got to be pulling the strings to get things going for him / her.
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Rohit: have u seen Ghajini...what do u think of it?
Mahesh Bhatt: No Rohit...I haven't seen Ghajini but the very fact that its a stupendous hit speaks volumes...success transcends opinions.
Nams: hey Mahesh...what do you think about Emraan's future prospects?
Mahesh Bhatt: Bright...Emraan is evolving and fortunately he is no in awe of himself...He realizes that he will have to work very hard to stay on the crease....This discontentment is the fuel which will take him to greater heights.
XYREO: sir but even animation can be kept simple... and if there is a story it will work... like the film ICE AGE... really down to earth story and good animation
Mahesh Bhatt: I agree with you Xyreo but who says simplicity is easy? It's very easy to be complex but very difficult to be simple.
Dude: can we see film like Saaransh coming from ur banner in future?
Mahesh Bhatt: dude...you can't separate a film from that moment in history in which it was conceived and released. Times have changed...21st century India needs to make a product which reflects the times that we live in.
a_z: I always pray to Allah for good health for people like you.
Mahesh Bhatt: I am grateful.
VIZOR: sir, its never too late to try something new... so will u give acting a shot?
Mahesh Bhatt: I am a bad actor ...I can make non actors act but I can't even pose for a simple picture
Daisy: who is the newcomer actor who impressed u last year?
Mahesh Bhatt: Adhyayan Suman in Jashn...He is outstanding and very good in the film.
Anish: sir, when will you launch your son Rahul Bhatt?
Mahesh Bhatt: I am looking for a great story...Was planning a film called Suicide bomber with him but that seems unworkable at the moment...His debut is dependant on a great narrative.
Anish: sir, when will you launch your son Rahul Bhatt?
Mahesh Bhatt: I am looking for a great story...Was planning a film called Suicide bomber with him but that seems unworkable at the moment...His debut is dependant on a great narrative.
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Rajib: hello sir. we heard that Emraan is now will be signing films with other banner as well. how doest it feel to you?
Mahesh Bhatt: rajib...what do I care? As long as Emraan is available to me when we need him. I don't own my kids.
priya64: which one actor or actress would u love to work with that u haven't yet?
Mahesh Bhatt: None priya64...No unfulfilled desires in this heart.
Shaan: sir.. How u rate Kangna's performance compared to Bipasha in earlier Raaz?
Mahesh Bhatt: Bipasha was very sincere....Kangna was efficient....90 marks for efficiency and 100 marks for sincerity...Hope the answer is clear to you???
Daisy: hi... why is Emraan signed for every Bhatt camp film...?
Mahesh Bhatt: Daisy...He is the flesh of my flesh...the blood of my blood...Just because he happens to be my family member doesn't mean I should ostracize him from my company.
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Daisy: hi... why is Emraan signed for every Bhatt camp film...?
Mahesh Bhatt: Daisy...He is the flesh of my flesh...the blood of my blood...Just because he happens to be my family member doesn't mean I should ostracize him from my company.
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Rehman: why you are not working with Amitabh Bachchan?
Mahesh Bhatt: I am not in awe of Mr. Bachchan like I once was when I saw Deewar...to be honest I am in awe of only one Indian actor and that is Dilip Kumar..
priya64: what's ur daughter Pooja Bhatt is doing nowadays haven't heard abt her in a while.. Will she ever act in movies again or gonna stick to direction?
Mahesh Bhatt: At the moment Pooja is dealing with a project called Kajrare, which seems to have hit hot waters after the debacle of Himesh's Karzzz. But being what she is , she is working from dusk to dawn , planning her two forthcoming ventures which I am writing...apart from that she has 8 dogs, 3 pigs, 24 chickens which she looks after in her farm in Kalote at the outskirts of Mumbai.
XYREO: do u think critics write reviews to get noticed? Or is it really what they feel?
Mahesh Bhatt: Do you think a mosquito stings you because he hates you...No...He does this because if he doesn't drink your blood he can't survive...Similarly a critic has to tear you apart to make a living...Poor guys...They have to smell our shit to make a living.
priya64: which is ur fav holiday destination?
Mahesh Bhatt: Never had a holiday in my life...I've always wondered how people manage to take a holiday.
Mahesh Bhatt: You don't knew history....but I've worked with both Aamir and SRK...Aamir worked for Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke and Ghulam till we fell-out and I chose not to work with him...and with Shahrukh I am the only guy who made two flops so may be the third venture would be a bad business move
priya64: how was it judging the realty shows?
Mahesh Bhatt: Enjoy it
IZOR: sir, what about making a futuristic film?
Mahesh Bhatt: we don't have the talent, the inclination, or the budget.
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IZOR: sir, what about making a futuristic film?
Mahesh Bhatt: we don't have the talent, the inclination, or the budget.
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Daisy: would u like to make a South Indian movie remake which impressed u a lot?
Mahesh Bhatt: I also tried my hand at that but failed miserably...Made a film with superstar Chiranjeevi for Allu Arvind ( the Ghajini producer) called The Gentleman but it was a disaster.
Shaan: sir, why is this that u always make sensuous movies??
Mahesh Bhatt: Sex sells shaan...dont you know??? You guys stop seeing it...Ill stop making it.
Nams: do you think Bhatt camp used Kangna- Adhyayan relationship to hype Raaz-TMC?
Mahesh Bhatt: I use everything under the sun to sell my wares but to be honest I didn't...they did...i am too big to use somebody's sordid personal life to sell cinema ticket
Vive: sir, what has been your greatest inspiration throughout your life?
Mahesh Bhatt: U.G. Krishnamoorthy, U.G. Krishnamoorthy, U.G. Krishnamoorthy...My friend, My Philosopher and My 'GOD'
Vive: sir, what has been your greatest inspiration throughout your life?
Mahesh Bhatt: U.G. Krishnamoorthy, U.G. Krishnamoorthy, U.G. Krishnamoorthy...My friend, My Philosopher and My 'GOD'
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Ayesha: Dear Mahesh Sir...we all think that Pooja Bhatt was the best actress of 90s and she would be Number 1 after Madhuri if she had not gave-up acting in just 25 years of age, why she left the acting career on her peak ??
Mahesh Bhatt: She was never interested to be an actor Ayesha...Her best performance is in Zakhm...my last directorial film...She was a good actor who didn't exhaust her limits but she was hardly close to being her best.
Rohit: which actors of today for whom u have genuine respect for?
Mahesh Bhatt: I don't have it yet...
Saurabh: do you thing Slumdog Millionaire, deserved all the attention it got in west?
Mahesh Bhatt: You are giving it right now Saurabh but I am told it's a story told well.
xYREO : Sir the last time Emraan was on chat he said that u guys were slave masters and he was an accessory to that slavery... how far do u actually push ur cast to do something?
Mahesh Bhatt: I am a slave driver...I push them beyond their limits but to be honest Emraan enjoys to be pushed beyond limits.
Markus: what are the future projects of Vishesh films with Emraan?
Mahesh Bhatt: Tum Mile, which is directed by Kunal Deshmukh of Jannat fame.
Gurpreetzz: Were you really confident that Raaz -TMC would work at Box-Office?
Mahesh Bhatt: All film makers oscillate between dread and hope...i am glad that Raaz-TMC did what it did in these terrible times.
Gurpreetzz: What do you think of Emraan Hashmi as an actor? How do you rate him?
Mahesh Bhatt: Better than what he was in his previous films but still has a lot to explore within himself.
Ayesha: Mahesh sir, please tell us one thing that is very special about Pooja (other then being a great actress and wonderful human-being as we all know she is)
Mahesh Bhatt: Pooja is a great writer ...she has a magical style...The world has still to wake up to this side of Pooja Bhatt.
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Shahrukhgazdar: Did You See Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi ... What's Your Comments?
Mahesh Bhatt: I don't see films, which are not connected; with my immediate job...Films are not a part of my entertainment diet.
Saad: after so many request of getting back to directing made you think to get back to it.
Mahesh Bhatt: I am not directing.
Ayesha: Mahesh sir, please tell us one thing that is very special about Pooja (other then being a great actress and wonderful human-being as we all know she is)
Mahesh Bhatt: Pooja is a great writer ...she has a magical style...The world has still to wake up to this side of Pooja Bhatt.
Markus: will we ever see Sonal Chauhan in Vishesh films again?
Mahesh Bhatt: Why not?? Sonal is a sweet girl...
XYREO: what do u think of the audience... have they become more mature and open to certain topics?
Mahesh Bhatt: They claim to have changed but all changes on the surface...Deep down they are no different from their predecessor ...They want a Happy ending.
AFFAN: When you will create some thing like Naam Or Sadak?
Mahesh Bhatt: We'll try and better them...
Mahesh Bhatt: Live dangerously...You only live once...Thank you for chatting...Mahesh Bhatt
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WKIFF honors Madhur Bhadarkar and Mahesh Bhatt 
