Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt reportedly walked away from his own film, Ghulam, due to difficulties working with actor Aamir Khan.
An Unexpected Departure
The acclaimed director Mahesh Bhatt and Bollywood star Aamir Khan had collaborated on successful films like Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi and Hum Hain Raahi Pyaar Ke. However, their partnership took an unexpected turn during the making of the 1998 hit film, Ghulam.
According to actor Deepak Tijori, who was also part of the Ghulam cast, Mahesh Bhatt decided to quit the project midway. Tijori recently shared that Bhatt stated, “I can’t do this. Can’t put up with Aamir.” This revelation sheds new light on the reasons behind the directorial change.
Vikram Bhatt Steps In
Following Mahesh Bhatt’s sudden exit, the directorial reins for Ghulam were taken over by Vikram Bhatt. By this point, the film had reportedly been in production for two years, making the change a significant one for the team.
The film, eventually starring Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji, went on to become a box office success, but the behind-the-scenes challenges remained a notable part of its history.
Bhatt’s Prior Concerns
Mahesh Bhatt has previously spoken about his challenges with Aamir Khan’s working style. Known for his meticulous approach, Aamir Khan earned the moniker “Mr. Perfectionist” early in his career.
Bhatt once explained his decision to step away from Ghulam by saying, “I didn’t think movies meant so much to me that I would dedicate my entire life to it. It doesn’t mean so much to me and I’d be lying if I say otherwise.” This highlights a fundamental difference in their philosophies towards filmmaking.
The “Burden of Greatness”
In another interview, Mahesh Bhatt elaborated on his experience, stating that working with Aamir Khan on Ghulam “wasn’t a pleasant experience.” He suggested that when a person is “burdened by his greatness,” that burden is often shared by those around them.
Bhatt specifically noted the economic implications, especially when working on films with reasonable budgets. This implies that Aamir’s extensive pursuit of perfection could lead to delays and increased costs, making it difficult for directors like Bhatt.
An Anecdote of Meticulousness
An earlier anecdote shared by Mahesh Bhatt illustrates Aamir Khan’s detailed approach. During the filming of Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi, Aamir reportedly spent a staggering 10 hours discussing a cap he was supposed to wear in the film.
While such dedication is often praised, for a filmmaker like Bhatt, it became a point of contention, contributing to their eventual professional parting after Ghulam.
Key Takeaways
- Director Mahesh Bhatt left the film Ghulam because he found it difficult to work with Aamir Khan.
- Actor Deepak Tijori confirmed Bhatt’s statement: “Can’t put up with Aamir.”
- Mahesh Bhatt cited Aamir’s “perfectionism” and the extensive time commitment required as reasons for his departure.
- Vikram Bhatt took over as director for the film, which had already been in production for two years.
The creative differences between these two industry stalwarts underscore the diverse working styles within Bollywood, showcasing how even celebrated talents can find themselves at odds.
