Mahesh Bhatt, the renowned filmmaker, has delved into a profound exploration of identity, spirituality, and the human condition through his latest endeavor, Pehchaan. In this exclusive interview, Bhatt reveals how the show became a mirror to his own soul, reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker, a grandfather, and a man seeking meaning beyond the noise of life. With a focus on the Sikh faith and its principles of resilience and service, Bhatt shares his insights on the power of unlearning, the importance of perspective, and the transformative role of family in his life.
One of the most striking aspects of Pehchaan, according to Bhatt, is its ability to reveal the truth about the Sikh faith and its followers. He explains, "Pehchaan was never a show for me... it was a mirror. And mirrors can be cruel—they don’t flatter, they reveal. Engaging with the stories of Sikh faith and seva, I found myself standing in the presence of something pure... something untouched by the noise that we, in our restless lives, constantly create." This perspective shift, he believes, is what truly matters, as it allows us to see the world in a new light, beyond the confines of our own stories and identities.
The concept of unlearning is central to Bhatt's journey through Pehchaan. He reflects, "Unlearning, for me, has been the dropping of this need to stand at the centre. To interpret, to control. Now there is a willingness to step aside and watch—even the chaos within—without rushing to fix it. Unlearning... is a painful act. We spend years building identities, beliefs, defenses—and then life comes and quietly asks you to dismantle them." This process of unlearning, he believes, is essential for personal growth and finding meaning in life.
As a filmmaker, Bhatt is known for exploring the complexities of the human psyche. However, he admits that age has brought a different kind of clarity. "Do I understand myself better today? No. I interfere less. I would say... I am less certain of who I am, and strangely, that feels like a deeper understanding. In my younger years, I was loud with my truths. Today, I sit more comfortably with my question." This shift in perspective, he believes, is a sign of wisdom and maturity.
The arrival of Raha Kapoor, Bhatt's granddaughter, has also been a transformative experience. He describes her as "a drop of divinity" and shares, "Just the thought of her brings a smile into every pore of my being. Her vitality is fierce. Her mind—sharp, almost evolutionary. She gives you a sense of time." Through Raha, Bhatt finds a new perspective on life and the continuity of it, reminding him of the importance of family and the role it plays in our lives.
Reflecting on the legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Bhatt recalls a memory tied to an unfinished film, "Asha ji... my memory goes back to Mukti, a film that never was. R. D. Burman composed, she recorded, and the film collapsed within days. But her voice stayed. For my generation, it was not just music—it was breath." This memory, he believes, is a testament to the enduring impact of Asha Bhosle's music and her legacy.
In the end, Bhatt concludes that he no longer feels the need to define himself. "So what is my pehchaan now? I don’t define it. The moment you define yourself, you reduce yourself. I am in flux. And that is enough." This acceptance of flux and uncertainty, he believes, is the key to finding meaning and purpose in life.
