- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahesh Bhatt, who is currently preparing for the release of his next project Tu Meri Poori Kahaani, recently gave an insightful interview where he reflected on various personal and professional experiences. In an interview, Bhatt discussed his daughter Pooja Bhatt’s initial casting in Aashiqui, the possibility of Alia Bhatt and Pooja sharing the screen in the future, his affection for granddaughter Raha, and his fond memories of the late actress Parveen Babi. As fans await the spiritual sequel Aashiqui 3, starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, Bhatt’s revelations offered both nostalgia and perspective.
Mahesh Bhatt speaking with CNN-News18 Showsha, revealed that Pooja Bhatt was originally offered the lead role in Aashiqui. At that time, however, she turned it down because her boyfriend didn’t want her to pursue the project. She also believed she wasn’t meant to be an actress. Later, when Pooja visited the Ooty sets of the film and saw iconic songs being filmed with Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal, she felt a sense of regret. Admitting her envy to her father, she confessed that she should have taken the opportunity. Not long after, she starred in Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, which became one of her defining roles.
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Will Alia and Pooja Bhatt Work Together?
The filmmaker was asked about the possibility of bringing both his daughters, Alia and Pooja, into the same film. Bhatt said that while the idea is appealing, the right script has not yet presented itself. He explained, “We don’t know what tomorrow can bring. Right now, I don’t see a story that truly fits both of them. Alia and Pooja are strong-willed women and very particular about their choices. They only take on characters that they deeply connect with.” Meanwhile, speaking about his granddaughter Raha, daughter of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt shared a light-hearted moment about her nickname. He revealed that the family affectionately calls her “Rahu” or simply “Raha”. He explained that these are sounds elders make when playing with children, adding that little Raha continues to be the centre of joy in their home.
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Additionally, Mahesh Bhatt also spoke emotionally about Parveen Babi, crediting her with playing a key role in shaping his career. He recalled that his relationship with Parveen, combined with personal struggles in his first marriage, laid the foundation for his 1982 film Arth. Bhatt described Arth as a rebirth for him as a filmmaker, offering a female-centred perspective on extramarital relationships at a time when most films only highlighted the male viewpoint. He called Parveen an extraordinary woman whose influence was crucial in giving him a second chance in cinema.
About Movie Tu Meri Poori Kahaani
Looking ahead, Mahesh Bhatt’s next film Tu Meri Poori Kahaani is set to release in cinemas on September 26, 2025. The film features Hirranya N Ojha and Arhaan Patel in lead roles, along with Tigmanshu Dhulia, Juhi Babbar, Shammi Duhan, and Avtar Gill. Co-written by Mahesh Bhatt and directed by Suhrita Das, the movie is expected to bring together emotional storytelling and layered characters, something Bhatt has always been known for.