From REEL to REAL Life: With Mahesh Bhatt

The first event of YFLO Kolkata for the year 2017-2018 was held with Mr. Mahesh Bhatt – noted Director, Producer and a Prolific Writer.

Addressing a very large gathering of 260 plus audience at the Taj Bengal hotel on 5thMay, 2017, Shilpi Choudhary, the newly elected Chairperson of YFLO Kolkata spoke about her plans and how she proposed to organize a wide variety of events that would ensure greater engagement and enable members to learn from stalwarts / experts from various fields. She also mentioned about the special efforts being made to celebrate the 10th year foundation of YFLO Kolkata – grandiosely.

She introduced the year’s theme “The Connect”, explaining how it signified the cosmic-human connection that ensured creation of a dynamic force through discipline & kindness.

Shilpi then called upon her Managing Committee members and presented them to the gathering – stating how each of them had been chosen carefully, so that all of them could work together in taking the Kolkata Chapter to newer heights of excellence in the ensuing year. She also briefed about the “Focus Groups” and “YFLO Privilege Card” that would provide a host of benefits and privileges to its members.

Following her welcome address, the Interactive Session with Mr. Mahesh Bhatt was led by Dr. Aruna Mukhim – author, social activist and a painter herself. Setting the tone for the evening, she shared an incident from when they were in Delhi and a parent of a six-year-old girl identified Mr. Bhatt to his daughter as Alia’s ‘dad’. To this Mr. Bhatt said that he was extremely proud of his daughter and also recollects that Alia in her first autograph has mentioned, “Thank you Papa for not helping me at all”.

Speaking on the religious phase of his life, Mr. Bhatt mentioned that in the 1970’s he had become an ardent follower of Osho and practiced meditation for five hours daily under his influence. However, in the later years he could not relate with his teachings- especially those on unconditional love and found spiritual companionship / guidance with philosopher U.G. Krishnamurti. Mr. Bhatt calls him his lifeline and says, “Take him away, and I am empty”. In 1992, he even wrote the biography titled, ‘U. G.Krishnamurti, A Life’.

He then shared his experiences with the Indian film industry and stated that all those who come to Bollywood already have talent. He explained about being merely instrumental in discovering them and providing these talented actors with a sense of security.

While concluding the Session, Dr.Mukhim asked a series of rapid fire questions as follows:

• Apart from Alia, which actress do you see as an upcoming Bollywood star? – No one, there is no one like Alia. She has the energy and the zeal of the youth which is rare.
• Who is the apple of your eye? – Pooja Bhatt
• Which do you prefer – producer or director? – Producer
• Commercial Films or Art Films? – Commercial
• Which boy is suitable for Alia? – SiddharthMalhotra

Isha Patodia, Senior Vice Chairperson presented the Vote of Thanks. The Past Chairpersons of YFLO Kolkata presented a Memento to Mr. Bhatt on behalf of the Kolkata Chapter.

It was a witty and interesting evening, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.