Alia has a narrative of her own: Mahesh Bhatt

Bengaluru: Director Mahesh Bhatt does not see himself working with daughter Alia as he believes she has a journey of her own in Bollywood.

The director's daughter, who debuted with "Student of the Year", has become one of the most sought after young actresses in Bollywood within a short span.

"My daughter and me are two different entities. She has a narrative of her own. She is a star ... Therefore I don't see the reason why we should for commercial reasons join hands to make a film together. I don't see that," said Bhatt.

The filmmaker was in the city to participate in the "Self V Film" Festival, which showcased an overwhelming number of cancer survivors share their story of hope.

The producer said he is not averse to casting stars but finds it easier to work with newcomers.

"I have no aversion to stars, but I feel it challenges me more when I make film with new people and I feel that I enjoy creating destinies, more than creating movies," he said.

Bhatt, 66, has launched a number of faces in Bollywood including former adult star Sunny Leone, who was recently criticised by CPI leader Atul Kumar Anjan for endorsing a condom ad.

"He (the leader) has apologised for saying what he has said ... So the matter is dead, dead for me," Bhatt said, adding politicians indulge in such unpleasant remarks against celebrities to get news space.

"It is not a new thing for politicians to use celebrities and celebrity products as something to take a piggyback on. It gives them eyeballs; gives them news space ... So that explains the intent why they do it," he added. 

To a query on director Mohit Suri, Bhatt said there is no substance to reports they fought over monetary issues.

"There is no substance in media reports that there was a fight (between me and Suri). If there was a fight, I would have said so. Moreover he is one of our own. He is my nephew," he said.

There were rumours that Suri was feeling let down over monetary issue after the reported debacle of "Hamari Adhuri Kahani" but Bhatt said the film was not a flop.

"'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' has not given the amount of profit Aashiqui 2 did, but it certainly gave us a profit. So if the film did Rs 54 crore business, it is a successful film."

"Nothing went wrong for Hamari Adhuri Kahani... Why should every film do Rs 100 crore business. This is a strange business world where only the costs are taken into account. People do not see the profit however small or leaner it might be," Bhatt added.

Talking about the festival, Bhatt said that awareness is the key and it is essential that more survivors speak about cancer to instill confidence in those that are still battling the disease.

"It is important that they know that there is life after cancer and it can be treated and managed."