Their relationship is not just that of a mentor and muse. Mahesh Bhatt is also Emraan Hashmi's uncle.
And ever since Emraan started his Bollywood career, the two have been almost inseparable. However, it looks like all's not well between them.
A recent development has led to us wondering if their relationship has taken a beating. Bhatt pulled out of the music launch of their latest film together, citing that he's too busy with the shooting of daughter Pooja's next (the Jism sequel) in Jaipur.
However, Bhatt clarifies saying, "I am 45 miles from Jaipur on the sets of Pooja's film and it is impossible for me to come there just for the launch and fly back again.
It'll become too hectic. I know Kunal (Deshmukh, director) and the rest of them are a little upset with me but I can't pull myself away from this."
Different strokes for different folks
However, sources speculate that Bhatt wants to avoid confrontation with Emraan and that's probably why he is making this excuse.
Even during films like Crook and Jannat, news about problems between the two made headlines.
However, this time, the situation seems to have worsened. Bhatt made himself available for every promotional event around his latest Kunal Khemu starrer, despite a packed schedule.
Commenting on whether things have gone sour with his favourite discovery, Bhatt quips, "There was a time when all of Emraan's films needed my presence.
But that has changed now. But I guess that's okay. He is a star in his own right today, and is making his own decisions."
However, we also hear that there have been too many creative differences between the two and this film could probably be Emraan's last with his family banner.
Bhatt however claims, "Emraan is my own flesh and I don't think he is going anywhere."
Emraan Hashmi was unavailable for comment.