Veteran film producer Mukesh Bhatt, co-founder of Vishesh Films, has broken his silence on the long-standing rift with his brother and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, describing the emotional toll it has taken on his personal life. In a rare and candid interview, he reflected on how the professional fallout in 2021, which ended several decades of collaboration, led to a deeper strain within the family—one that he continues to grapple with.
Vishesh Films, established by the Bhatt brothers, has been behind some of Bollywood’s biggest commercial successes, including Aashiqui, Sadak, Raaz, Murder, and Jannat. Their partnership was widely regarded as one of the most enduring creative alliances in Indian cinema. However, after parting ways professionally four years ago, the personal disconnect between the siblings has grown more apparent.
Not being invited to Alia Bhatt’s wedding left him “hurt”
Speaking to Lehren Retro, Mukesh Bhatt revealed that he was not invited to his niece Alia Bhatt’s wedding with actor Ranbir Kapoor in April 2022—an omission that he admits left him deeply emotional.
“I will be a hypocrite if I say I didn’t feel bad. Of course, I felt bad,” he said. “I love Alia a lot and not just her, even Shaheen. When she got married, I felt like meri bachi ki shaadi hai. I really wanted to be there.”
Despite his emotional attachment, Mukesh emphasised that he did not let the exclusion turn into bitterness. Instead, he expressed a sense of helplessness and resignation about the widening gap within the family.
The producer noted that he had shared a special bond with Alia since her childhood, and the absence of an invite felt “unexpected and painful,” considering the affection he still holds for her.
Longing to meet Raha Kapoor
Mukesh Bhatt further shared that he has not yet met Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s daughter, Raha Kapoor, who turned three this year. His voice softened as he revealed his yearning to see the little one.
“When I got to know that Alia is pregnant and then she had a baby, meri aankhein taras gayi Raha ko dekhne ke liye. I love kids a lot,” he said.
The emotional distance, he implied, is an outcome of the strained relationship with Mahesh Bhatt and the subsequent drift within the extended family.
Choosing not to cause “discomfort” to Alia
When asked whether he attempted to reach out to Alia after the wedding or after Raha’s birth, Mukesh Bhatt clarified that he consciously chose not to make any contact.
“I didn’t try because I didn’t want to put her in a position of discomfort,” he explained. “I didn’t text her, but maine dil se dua de di. I blessed them from my heart.”
This statement underlines Mukesh’s desire to respect her space, even as he silently grapples with a sense of emotional loss.
Professional split that led to a personal divide
The Bhatt brothers’ professional separation in 2021 marked a significant shift for the family. According to industry insiders, creative differences, production disagreements, and internal tensions eventually led to the dissolution of their long-running collaboration.
Vishesh Films continued operations under Mukesh Bhatt, while Mahesh Bhatt stepped away from the label. Although both maintained a diplomatic silence publicly, the familial impact became evident through stories of distance and separation.
Mukesh’s latest interview is the first time he has openly acknowledged the emotional weight of the fallout.
A bond that remains unresolved
Despite the silence between the two brothers, Mukesh Bhatt’s reflections make it clear that the wounds are emotional rather than confrontational. His statements reveal longing, nostalgia, and a desire for connection—contrasting with the quiet walls that have formed within the family.
As he continues to focus on his work and personal life, the possibility of reconciliation remains uncertain. Yet, his tone suggests a willingness for healing, should circumstances allow.
Conclusion
Mukesh Bhatt’s heartfelt revelations provide a glimpse into the complex emotional terrain that often accompanies family disputes—especially within high-profile film families. His candid honesty underscores the personal cost of professional disagreements and the lingering pain of estranged relationships.
Whether this paves the way for renewed dialogue within the Bhatt family is yet to be seen, but for now, Mukesh’s words stand as a rare window into a rift that has remained largely private.