Mahesh Bhatt on Heroine Vidya Balan and Daughter Alia Bhatt

"The best stories are the ones that you have lived", says Mahesh Bhatt, a filmmaker who drew experiences from his real life in cinematic gems such as Arth, Janam, Zakhm , Aashiqui. Mr Bhatt, who is once again taking a leaf out of his life with Hamari Adhuri Kahani, was in Delhi on February 20 to promote the film produced by him.

Directed by Mohit Suri, Hamari Adhuri Kahani stars Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi in the lead roles.

Mr Bhatt said, "It's about my stepmother, a woman who I regarded as an adversary as a kid, but later realized she was actually an amazing woman. It's my story - a young boy who grew up without a father-figure, raised by a single woman and her choices. Arth was relevant 25 years ago, where a woman refused to be shackled but Hamari Adhuri Kahani fits in with today's time. Of course, we have fictionalized some things. It's a love story about a woman and her unavailable husband. Many women would be able to relate to it."

So, do we finally see the Mahesh Bhatt of the '80s and '90s who gave us emotionally stirring stories? "Well, a lot of people have been happy that am producing this, but do realize stories remain the same. But over the years, there was no demand for films like Arth or Zakhm," said Mr Bhatt.

Mr Bhatt also said that Vidya was the only actress for the role. "The role required a person like Vidya for its Indianness and depth. This movie would be a watershed for both, Vidya and Emraan. When we approached Vidya, she was in two minds because she wanted to take a break from movies. But I told her "if it's not you, then there will be no Hamari Adhuri Kahani,"" he said.

The screenplay of the movie has been adapted into a book titled All That Could Have Been.

Mahesh Bhatt, who was recently in the news for defending daughter Alia in the light of the AIB controversy, said that he was misquoted. "All I said was, why not Sonakshi? I did speak to Sonakshi aout it and she handled it maturely. I am anti-censorship and now we can only wait and see what the courts say about this entire issue," he said.

Mr Bhatt also commented on the recent list of banned cuss words released by the Censor Board, saying, "We were happy that one of our own was sitting on the chair, but look at China, that industry works under such regimental rules. We are a vibrant industry, why do they want to gag us? We have certification, don't we? The viewer knows what to watch and what not to."

A proud father, the filmmaker also took pride in sharing how his daughter Alia bought a swanky apartment with her own earnings. "Imagine, within two years of her career, my little girl has bought a luxurious pad. She never even held my little finger. I am so proud of her. We all went there and popped champagne. More power to the women in the industry," he said.

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