Bollywood actress and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has opened up about a childhood memory involving her father, renowned director Mahesh Bhatt, revealing that he once came home drunk and was locked out on the balcony by her mother.
The revelation came during the latest episode of Pooja Bhatt’s podcast, where Mahesh Bhatt appeared as a guest for an intimate and candid conversation. The father-daughter duo discussed his long career in cinema, family dynamics, and his struggles with addiction, leading to a surprising recollection from Pooja about their past.
Recalling the incident, Pooja said, “When we used to live in Silver Sand, you came home one night completely drunk. You went out onto the balcony, and then mom locked you out there. You were shouting and banging on the door, calling out my name and hers—‘Kiran! Pooja!’—while the waves crashed in the background.”
Mahesh Bhatt, who listened attentively, smiled and acknowledged the story, admitting that those days were difficult for both him and his family. “Yes, that was a very dark period in my life,” he said. “I was battling my own demons. I didn’t realize at the time how much pain my behavior caused to the people I loved most.”
The veteran filmmaker, known for movies like Arth, Saaransh, and Zakhm, has spoken in the past about his struggles with alcoholism and how it affected his personal relationships. In this conversation, he credited his family—especially his daughters Pooja and Alia Bhatt—for helping him turn his life around.
Pooja, while recounting the emotional incident, emphasized that she does not share the story out of resentment but as a reflection of how far her father has come. “You taught us honesty, even when it meant showing your flaws. That’s why I can talk about this openly,” she said.
The exchange offered listeners a raw and human glimpse into the Bhatt family’s past, marked by turmoil but also by resilience and emotional growth. Both Pooja and Mahesh agreed that acknowledging mistakes is essential for healing and growth.
Social media users have praised the podcast for its authenticity and emotional depth, with many appreciating Pooja for speaking courageously about uncomfortable family truths and Mahesh for confronting his past with humility.
Mahesh Bhatt concluded the segment by saying, “If I could change anything, I would drink less and listen more. But I guess those nights—no matter how painful—were part of the journey that made us who we are today.”
The heartfelt conversation has since gone viral, sparking renewed interest in Mahesh Bhatt’s life and legacy, and reaffirming Pooja Bhatt’s reputation for fearlessly addressing complex personal and social issues in public forums.
