Mahesh Bhatt’s mother was unhappy with director naming his daughters Alia and Shaheen, here’s why

Mahesh Bhatt opens up about his parents' religions and love story and why his mother was worried with the names he chose to give to his two daughters.

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, known for his candid conversations, once revealed fascinating details about his parents' religious backgrounds and their enduring love story. In a throwback interview with Rediff from 1998, Mahesh shared insights that shed light on his family's rich tapestry. Mahesh's father, Nanabhai Bhatt, hailed from a traditional Gujarati Brahmin family, while his mother, Shirin Mohammad Ali, was a Shia Muslim. The contrast between their faiths was stark, yet their love transcended these boundaries. "I had the best of both worlds," Mahesh reminisced. "My mother wore a big tika and saree, embracing her Muslim heritage, while my father remained true to his Brahmin roots."

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Mahesh emphasized that his father never pretended to be secular. Unlike some who put on a facade, Nanabhai stayed true to his beliefs. "What's very interesting," Mahesh mused, "is that both my parents retained their individual faiths. They were madly in love but never indulged in the farce of compromising their authenticity."

The interview took a poignant turn when Mahesh discussed the 1992 communal riots in Mumbai. His mother, despite her strong spirit, harbored concerns. "She felt that her minority status might interfere with our lives," Mahesh revealed. "When I flaunted my Muslim roots, she was a little embarrassed. Naming my daughters Alia and Shaheen, both Muslim names, added to her worries. Everyone was on edge during those tumultuous times."

Mahesh's life unfolded through two marriages. His union with Lorraine Bright (later Kiran Bhatt) bore two children, Rahul and Pooja Bhatt. Later, he married actor Soni Razdan, and together they share two daughters: Shaheen and Alia Bhatt. Alia, born in March 1993, has since become a Bollywood sensation, married to actor Ranbir Kapoor. Their daughter, Raha, arrived in November 2022, adding another chapter to this remarkable family saga.

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Mahesh Bhatt's candid revelations remind us that love transcends religious boundaries, and authenticity is the truest form of secularism.