Over the years, Mahesh Bhatt has seen many sides of public life as a filmmaker. Some of his films have been praised, others criticised, and some of his comments have also caused debate. Talking about the attention that comes with fame, Bhatt recently spoke about his children, especially Alia Bhatt, who often face public scrutiny, including online trolling. He said he does not try to guide how they respond to it, instead letting them handle it on their own.
Mahesh Bhatt on the public scrutiny his children face
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Mahesh shared that he avoids offering advice to his children, and also opened up about his approach to parenting his adult kids amid the pressures of fame. He said, “I never give advice to my children. They are brighter than me. They belong to the terrain today. They will learn on their own. The ground will teach them. And that is the only teacher. Life is the only teacher, period.” The filmmaker went on to say that he doesn’t shield his children too much, even when they face public criticism, adding, “I think the protection will make them cripples. No, let them taste the light, burn as we all do.”
Mahesh Bhatt calls fame an “occupational hazard”
He referred to criticism and online hate as an “occupational hazard” that comes along with fame, noting that public recognition inevitably comes with its own set of challenges. He said, “Fame has a price. If you stand in the sun, you will get sunburnt.” Bhatt also spoke about why he avoids projecting his own experiences onto his children, believing that life itself is the best teacher. He added, “I don’t tell my children about my life experiences and expect them to plot them on their life maps. Woh sahi bhi nahi hai (That is not right). Their lives are different, these times are different, and their journeys are different.”Bhatt also spoke about parenting, saying it’s unfair for parents to expect their children to face life using the exact same lessons they themselves learned. He noted that each generation grows up in a world of its own.
Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter Alia’s film ‘Alpha’ releases
On the work front, Alia’s film ‘Alpha’ hit the big screens today, July 3, and also features Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol in important roles.