Mahesh Bhatt Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Awards, Children, Movies

Mahesh Bhatt is a prominent Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for his significant contributions to art-house and commercial cinema.

Making his directorial debut in 1974, Bhatt gained widespread recognition with films such as Saaransh (1984) and Aashiqui (1990).

His work has earned him numerous accolades, including four National Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards.

In addition to his directorial achievements, Bhatt co-founded Vishesh Films with his brother Mukesh, producing successful films like Raaz (2002) and Murder (2004).

Although he retired from directing after Kartoos (1999), Bhatt remains a significant figure in the Indian film industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Mahesh Bhatt
• Stage Name: Mahesh Bhatt
• Born: Mumbai, India
• Age: 76 years old
• Birthplace: Mumbai, India
• Nationality: India
• Occupation: Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter
• Height: 1.70 m
• Parents: Shirin Mohammad Ali and Nanabhai Bhatt
• Siblings: Mukesh Bhatt, Robin Bhatt, Heena Suri and Sheila Bhatt
• Spouse: Soni Razdan (m. 1986)
• Children: Pooja Bhatt, Alia Bhatt, Rahul Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $48 million (approximately Rs. 373 crores).

Early Life And Education

Mahesh Bhatt was born on September 20, 1948, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, to a diverse ethnic and religious background. His father, Nanabhai Bhatt, was a Gujarati Hindu Nagar Brahmin, while his mother, Shirin Mohammad Ali, hailed from a Shia Muslim family.

Bhatt grew up in a multicultural environment, which influenced his filmmaking. He often explores themes of identity and societal complexities. He has several siblings, including his brother Mukesh Bhatt, who is also a renowned film producer.

Other members of his family include his sisters, Heena Suri and Sheila Bhatt. Bhatt attended Don Bosco High School in Matunga, Mumbai, for his early education, where he developed an interest in the arts and cinema.  

Career

Mahesh Bhatt began his directorial career with Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain (1974), but his later works, such as Arth (1982) and Saaransh (1984), solidified his reputation as a filmmaker.

Saaransh, in particular, was India’s official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In 1987, Bhatt co-founded Vishesh Films with his brother Mukesh, marking the beginning of a successful collaboration that produced films like Kabzaa.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bhatt gained wider recognition with commercial successes such as Aashiqui (1990) and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991), demonstrating his ability to merge art-house sensibilities with mainstream appeal.

Throughout the 1990s, Bhatt’s films continued to explore social issues, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. His 1993 film Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke won the National Film Award – Special Jury Award and his other works, like Sadak (1991) and Zakhm (1998), explored personal and national themes.

In the early 2000s, Bhatt shifted his focus to screenwriting and producing, delivering hits like Raaz (2002) and Murder (2004). These films often drew inspiration from real-life events, such as Woh Lamhe (2006), which was based on the life of actress Parveen Babi.

Despite retiring from directing after Kartoos (1999), Bhatt remained a key figure in the industry through his work with Vishesh Films. However, in May 2021, he distanced himself from the company due to familial differences, with his brother Mukesh taking over the firm.

Outside cinema, Bhatt ventured into theater and television, using his platform to address social issues. He also served on the advisory board of U.S. nonprofit TeachAids. Bhatt’s legacy is a unique blend of commercial success and artistic integrity, making him a defining figure in Indian cinema.

Awards and Nominations

Mahesh Bhatt has received numerous awards throughout his career, including:

National Film Awards: 4 wins, including:

• Best Feature Film on National Integration for Zakhm (1999)
• Best Film on Other Social Issues for Tamanna (1996)
• Special Jury Award for Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1994)

Filmfare Awards: 3 wins, including:

• Best Dialogue for Arth (1984)
• Best Story for Saaransh (1985)
• Best Story for Zakhm (1999)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @maheshfilm
• Facebook handle: Mahesh Bhatt
• Twitter handle: @MaheshNBhatt

Personal Life

Mahesh Bhatt has been married twice. His first marriage was to Lorraine Bright, Kiran Bhatt, in 1970. They have two children, Pooja and Rahul Bhatt, but the couple divorced in 1986.

Later that year, Bhatt married actress Soni Razdan after converting to Islam, adopting the name Ashraf Bhatt. Together, they have two daughters, Shaheen and Alia Bhatt. Bhatt’s personal life has been controversial, mainly due to his affair with actress Parveen Babi during his first marriage.

Filmography

• Saaransh (1984)
• Aashiqui (1990)
• Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991)
• Sadak (1991)
• Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
• Zakhm (1998)
• Raaz (2002)
• Jism (2003)
• Murder (2004)
• Gangster (2006)
• Aashiqui 2 (2013)
• Sadak 2 (2020)
• 1920: Horrors of the Heart (2023)

Net Worth

Mahesh Bhatt’s net Worth is around $48 million (approximately Rs. 373 crores). His wealth primarily comes from his successful film production company, Vishesh Films, and personal investments.

Bhatt reportedly earns about Rs. 3 crores monthly, which amounts to an annual income of Rs. 36 crores. He also owns luxury properties, including a home in Navi Mumbai valued at Rs. 6.5 crores.