7 best films of Mahesh Bhatt that you definitely MUST watch on his birthday!

By Sreeju Sudhakaran
| Updated: September 20, 2015 7:42 AM IST

The acclaimed film-maker turns 67 today!

Before I proceed with the feature, let me wish the master story-teller Mahesh Bhatt Many Many Happy Returns of the Day! Also Read - Mahesh Bhatt talks about how easily available erotic content on the internet has ended the allure of s*x in cinema

The man who had given us gems like Arth, Saaransh, Aashiqui, may have left direction but his legacy still continues through the people he mentored like his own elder daughter and former actress turned director Pooja Bhatt, nephews Mohit Suri and Emraan Hashmi, protege Vikram Bhatt and younger daughter Alia Bhatt, who is now the most sought after actress in Bollywood! Also Read - Entertainment News Today April 25: Heeramandi first review, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke on OTT more updates

On his birthday, I would love to list down 7 films that you need to watch if you have to understand why Mahesh Bhatt is sorely missed as a director! Also Read - Heeramandi Screening: Will Sanjay Leela Bhansali announce Inshallah with Salman Khan soon?

P.S. - As much I love Aashiqui's songs deeply, I am no huge fan of the movie. So please forgive me if you expected to see the film in the below list and didn't find it there!

Saaransh

The movie that made Bollywood recognise the talents of a maverick called Mahesh Bhatt. Anupam Kher, in perhaps one of his finest performances of his career, and Rohini Hattangadi play an old age couple who are grieving over the loss of their young son. When they rent out their flat to an actress, little did they know that their woes have just started. Mahesh Bhatt deftly captured the pains of old age while living in the big bad city of Bombay (then...), without any support. The film was India's official entry to the Oscars, while Anupam Kher got the Filmfare award for the Best Actor.

Arth

Arth was a film that was way ahead of its time. Yes, it dealt with extra-marital affairs, but it was also one of the few films in Bollywood that never showed the 'other woman' as a one dimensional vamp. Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil, cast in two diametrically opposite roles, breathe fire and ice in their performances! Plus, who can forget those Jagjit Singh gems, Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho and Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar (the only moments we like to remember actor Raj Kiran was in!)

Naam

Though Sanjay Dutt had a grand debut in Rocky, which failed, it was with Naam that industry was shown that he was a competent actor. Naam had him giving a memorable performance in the role of Vicky, who wants to earn big bucks fast to save his family from poverty, while his other brother Ravi (Kumar Gaurav) is far more idealistic. Things turn for worse when both the brothers reach Dubai, and one gets embroiled in the world of smuggling. The film narrated the plight of many of our brethren who work in Gulf countries and do not see their kith and kin for years. Pankaj Udhas' Chitti Aayi Hai, is especially poignant!

Sadak

Sanjay Dutt joins hands again with Mahesh Bhatt, in this romanticised version of Taxi Driver. But when I say romanticised, it doesn't mean that there is phool aur bahar. Sadak is gritty, grim and hard-hitting, and it has a terrific villain in the form of Sadashiv Amrapurkar's Maharani - who many be Bollywood's only eunuch villain (Correct me if I am wrong!). Sanjay Dutt plays a taxi driver who rescues a girl (Pooja Bhatt) sold into prostitution, from clutches of a ruthless pimp, Maharani, but he loses his dear friends and nearly his life in the process.

Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi

Probably, one of Mahesh Bhatt's lightest films. DHKMN is the Hindi remake of It Happened One Night. Pooja Bhatt plays a dumb rich heiress who runs away from her father to marry her snooty boyfriend. On the way, she meets Raghu (Aamir Khan), a down-on-luck journalist who decides to tag along with her to get some scoop. Throughout their journey, they meet many obstacles, they squabble and yet fall in love. DHKMN is one of the finest romantic comedies made in Bollywood.

Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke

It's really hard to believe that Mahesh Bhatt could make such a light entertainer like HHRPK. Atleast Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi had Pooja Bhatt to remind us that it was a Mahesh Bhatt film. HHRPK is one of the most positive films ever to be made in our country, and even after more than 20 years, the film still manages to weave its magic over us! Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla are at their finest here, supported by those mischievous trio of kids, one of whom was played by a young Kunal Kemmu.

Zakhm

Ajay Devgn got his first National award for this film that's all about communal harmony and how certain forces try to divide us on the basis of religions. While Ajay Devgn certainly deserved the honour, the film should be watched for the poignant performances of Pooja Bhatt, in her career-best role, and Kunal Kemmu, who outshines the rest of the cast easily! Too sad, his adult career couldn't manage to match the potential he had in these child roles!

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BySreeju Sudhakaran
Updated: September 20, 2015 7:42 AM IST