Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who has shaped Indian cinema for nearly five decades and is a five-time National Award winner, is in the spotlight with his latest love story, Tu Meri Poori Kahani. In a recent interview, Bhatt opened up about his family, his daughters, and his lively granddaughter, Raha.Speaking about his legacy, Mahesh expressed pride in his daughters’ achievements. “I consider everyone connected to me as part of my family. I am always ready to take big risks in life. Until you step out of the crowd and do something different, you won’t be noticed,” he told Navbharat Times. On how his daughters carry forward his legacy, he added, “Pooja has carved her own space. She is a woman of her own temperament, an individual identity... I can proudly say I am the father of three daughters, and each one is exceptional.”
Pride in resilience: Alia , Shaheen and Pooja
Mahesh also praised his daughters’ resilience and professionalism. Shaheen, he said, has written remarkable work despite battling depression, while Alia, who recently became a mother, continues to be a powerhouse star. “She is a girl of her own kind, living life on her own terms,” he noted.
Next generation superstar? Meet Raha
But it was when Mahesh spoke about his granddaughter, Raha, that he let his playful side shine. “See, Raha is about to turn three. I say she will replace Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt! She has that kind of energy. Every generation is faster and ahead of the previous one. When I see Raha, I feel she has a unique energy,” he said.
A symbol of India’s diversity
Mahesh described Raha as very special and a symbol of India’s unity in diversity. “She’s a crossbreed, very special, and I feel that is the pride of India — the Ganga-Jamuni culture. I am proud that my DNA carries the major influence of my Muslim mother. This is an incredible country where so many cultures coexist together,” he said.
