Pooja Bhatt Recalls When Mahesh Bhatt Called Sanjay Dutt a ‘Hypocrite’ Over Kissing Scene in Sadak
Actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt recently shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story from the making of the 1991 film Sadak, revealing how a planned kissing scene with co-star Sanjay Dutt sparked an unexpected reaction from director Mahesh Bhatt.
Pooja, who began her acting career under the direction of her father Mahesh Bhatt, became widely known for her performances in films like Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, and Zakhm. Among these, Sadak remains one of her most iconic early projects. The film starred Sanjay Dutt in the lead role and was directed by Mahesh Bhatt.
Speaking on her podcast The Pooja Bhatt Show, Pooja recalled how her father often shared an important piece of advice with her about performing intimate scenes in films.
“He always said, when you’re performing intimate scenes, it’s never the act — it’s the attitude,” she explained.
However, when the time came to film a kissing scene with Sanjay Dutt in Sadak, Pooja admitted she felt extremely uncomfortable.
“I had to kiss Sanjay Dutt and I wanted to crawl under the nearest rock,” she said.
According to Pooja, Sanjay Dutt eventually refused to perform the scene after reading the script. He reportedly told the team that he was not comfortable kissing her because he had known her since she was a child.
“I am not going to kiss her. I have seen her as a child,” Sanjay allegedly said.
Mahesh Bhatt, who overheard the remark, reacted strongly to the statement. Pooja revealed that her father called out the reasoning behind the refusal.
“That’s complete hypocrisy. If you can’t kiss her, then you have no business kissing anybody else’s daughter,” Mahesh Bhatt reportedly said.
Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt worked together extensively during the 1990s, collaborating on several notable films including Daddy, Tadipaar, Naaraaz, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, and Zakhm. Their professional partnership played a significant role in shaping Pooja’s early career in Bollywood.
After directing Kartoos in 1999, Mahesh Bhatt stepped away from active directing. He later focused on mentoring projects and guiding productions under the banner of Vishesh Films.
Pooja’s recent revelation offers a glimpse into the dynamics behind the scenes of one of Bollywood’s most memorable films and highlights the candid conversations that sometimes unfold during filmmaking.
