Mahesh Bhatt

“In a country like India, with an ever-changing demography, adaptability is the most important attribute to survive in the industry.”

“People love miracles; they love stories which break through adversities.”

“I can understand the individual who is driven by biases. I can sit with him across the table and can talk to him, deal with him. But bias in the man whom we put in the seat of power and who...”

“I felt it was a privilege that I came from such a rich background. I had the best of both worlds. My mother was a Shia Muslim, while my father was a janoi-clad man. He never pretended to be...”

“I am what this country dreams of achieving: a perfect example of composite India.”

“Everyone claims to have found the 'Holy Grail' - the perfect formula that can guarantee a hit in Bollywood. But those who seriously believe in it are deluded.”

“Rahul Roy is delusional. He wants 'Aashiqui' to end with him. When it didn't end with me, how can it end with him?”

“Men like Sunil Dutt should not be mourned, only envied for their greatness.”

“Questioning authority can hardly be called our national pastime. We even make a philosophy out of fear. Fatalism, destiny, karma... are the favourite cultural holes we hide in when authority...”

“Vijay Anand's death marks the passing away of a true, original mind. Vijay had charisma and cinematic dazzle. He was the first who gave Indian film directors the status of a star.”

“When the film industry moves to the 21st century, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that the money used in film-making is clean and devoid of any underworld connections.”

“Having buildings, growth models, having great progress, flyovers, and no human being is feeling for human being is a nightmare scenario.”

“The film industry not only in India but also Hollywood is insular. It's inward-looking.”

“There is no denying that entertainment industries are insular, but you can't generalise that statement and apply it to everyone.”

“Making a film is very gratifying and intoxicating. It does great things to your self-esteem, but pushing people and mentoring them to their full potential is far more fulfilling.”

“Cinema now can't be just about introspection and atma manthan; such topics won't work.”

“It would be false if I claim that the Congress has in the past not let down its ideology, especially pertaining to Muslim community.”

“I have only an appetite for masochistic truth, and only box-office collection figures interest me.”

“I was perhaps lucky to be born in a single-parent home where my mother, Shirin Mohammed Ali, was the sole figure I revered. My father's absence in my life in my formative years exposed me to...”

“I was born on September, 20, 1948, to Nanabhai Bhatt, a Hindu, and Shirin Mohammed Ali, a Muslim. I was born after three daughters and followed by a daughter and son.”