Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently shared poignant recollections about actress Parveen Babi’s final years, detailing her heartbreaking struggle with mental health issues.
Recalling a Tragic Downfall
Mahesh Bhatt reflected on Parveen Babi’s “spiralling into madness,” a period he described as an “unimaginable tragedy.” He noted that despite her severe mental health challenges, she found it incredibly difficult to step away from the limelight.
Bhatt explained that once someone experiences the intense highs of the entertainment industry, it’s hard to turn their back on it. He believes she should have withdrawn from the fiercely competitive space due to her physiological vulnerability, but the pull of stardom was too strong.
Behind the Superstar Persona
During a recent interaction, Mahesh Bhatt clearly remembered Parveen’s desperate confession: “Darr lagta hai” (I feel scared). This raw admission revealed a profound inner turmoil behind her glamorous public image.
He described her as a fundamentally simple woman from Junagadh, Gujarat, who privately longed for a quiet life. She desired mundane activities like oiling her hair and cooking at home, a stark contrast to the dazzling, superstar persona she presented to the world.
Witnessing the Collapse
In an earlier interview, Bhatt recounted witnessing Parveen’s “mood disorder” and eventual “collapse” firsthand. He described a heartbreaking scene where she would leave for shoots looking fine, only to return in the evening shivering and paranoid, convinced someone was trying to kill her.
Mahesh Bhatt confirmed that Parveen Babi was suffering from schizophrenia, an illness that took a severe toll on her. He admitted trying extensively to help her, but ultimately, the disease proved overwhelming, leading to a painful end to their relationship. Parveen Babi passed away in 2005.
- Parveen Babi’s mental health struggles were largely undiagnosed in the 1970s, later identified as schizophrenia.
- Despite her profound struggles, she found it difficult to exit the glamorous entertainment industry.
- Mahesh Bhatt emphasized the stark contrast between her public superstar persona and her private, simple nature.
- Her illness ultimately led to a tragic end to her life and relationship with Bhatt.
Her story remains a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles faced by public figures and the devastating impact of untreated mental illness.
