Iconic filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has introduced a lot of talent to cinema. And, as is an accepted norm, in the guru-shishya tradition, Bhatt Saab ensures that every protege gives him guru-dakshina throughout his life.
With a mischievous smile, he tells us that this is a "kickback'' he thoroughly enjoys taking. His nephew Emraan Hashmi gives him a mobile phone every time. Though the filmmaker takes it, he makes it a point to distribute the phones among his staff and he faithfully continues to use his old instrument.
Anupam Kher, whose career turned around with Saaransh (1984), started with giving his guru a VHS cassette of a Hollywood movie whenever he signed a new film. The amount set for this purchase was 300.
At one point, Bhatt Saab realised that Anupam had started concealing from him the number of films he'd signed, because he would have to pay a kickback each time. And he caught him.
Recently, Anupam's acting institute was given an award by a Canadian channel and he invited Bhatt Saab to speak. The filmmaker played to the Brahmin in him and said, "If you don't give me what I ask for, I will give you a shraap (curse) and that will bring you to ground zero."
He asked for 3000, which of course Anupam bargained on, but finally he managed to extract 5000. Speaking to us, Bhatt Saab said, "Now his boys write Bhatt Saab on an envelope and give it, but earlier his Dattu (Anupam's spot boy) would just hand over the cash to me. It's the greatest joy to take money from him."
Gulshan Grover has been giving his guru two books, which the filmmaker himself chooses on each trip to the US. He also brings him a particular medicine that is available in America only.
As for Mohit Suri, post Aashiqui 2, he presented his mentor with a touch-screen laptop. And, Bhatt Saab has made it clear to Mohit that he has to continue giving him 'the kickbacks he desires'.
