Osho Rajneesh's Furious Threat to Mahesh Bhatt: Vinod Khanna Delivered Chilling Message
In a startling revelation from Bollywood's past, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has disclosed that spiritual leader Osho Rajneesh once threatened to destroy him, with actor Vinod Khanna serving as the messenger. This dramatic episode unfolded during the 1980s, when both Bhatt and Khanna were deeply involved with the controversial guru, highlighting a turbulent chapter in their spiritual journeys.
How Mahesh Bhatt Introduced Vinod Khanna to Osho Rajneesh
It was Mahesh Bhatt who first brought Vinod Khanna into Osho Rajneesh's fold. Bhatt, then struggling with film failures like Vishwasghaat and Manzilien Aur Bhi Hain, had turned to the charismatic guru from Pune for solace. He immersed himself completely, adopting ochre robes and rigorous meditation routines five times daily. During this phase, Bhatt introduced Khanna to Osho, setting in motion events that would profoundly impact both their lives.
Bhatt's Break from Osho and the Mala Incident
However, Bhatt soon grew disillusioned with the spiritual path. In a candid interview on Arbaaz Khan's chat show, he confessed to breaking his connection with Osho in a symbolic act of defiance. "I broke the mala and threw it down the commode," Bhatt revealed. He expressed feeling like a hypocrite, unable to reconcile his inner envy with the holy words he was uttering. This bold move marked his definitive exit from Osho's influence, but it did not go unnoticed by the guru.
Vinod Khanna's Role as Messenger of Osho's Threat
Osho Rajneesh was incensed by Bhatt's betrayal. Through Vinod Khanna, who remained a devoted follower, Osho conveyed a menacing ultimatum. Bhatt recounted the chilling phone call from Khanna: "Vinod called me from Filmistan and said Bhagwan is very angry. You broke the mala and threw it in the commode. I said 'yes, I have done that. This is worthless; I am a damn fool.' He said Bhagwan has said ask Mahesh to come back and hand over the mala in person, otherwise he will destroy you." Khanna lowered his voice to deliver this dire warning, underscoring the gravity of Osho's wrath.
Osho's Harsh Words for Bhatt in His Book
In his book The 99 Names of Nothingness, Osho further elaborated on his fallout with Bhatt. He attributed Bhatt's departure to the influence of his girlfriend, describing it as a tragedy. Osho wrote, "I knew that this was going to happen... he was defeated by her." He disparaged Bhatt as a 'mouse' for yielding to feminine tricks, suggesting that once a man loses his power, he becomes uninteresting. This scathing critique reflected Osho's bitterness over Bhatt's defection.
Vinod Khanna's Journey to Oregon and Broken Return
While Bhatt distanced himself, Vinod Khanna took a more drastic step. At the peak of his acting career, Khanna left Bollywood and his family to follow Osho to the ashram in Oregon, USA. He spent five years there as a sanyasi, but after the collapse of Osho's commune, he returned to Mumbai a changed man. Bhatt described meeting Khanna upon his return: "When the Rajneesh dream collapsed, he returned—broken. I met him again in a small flat opposite Jaslok Hospital." They drank together that evening, but Bhatt noted that the old fire in Khanna was gone.
Khanna's Struggle to Regain Stardom and Legacy
Vinod Khanna attempted to revive his film career post-Osho, starring in hits like Insaaf and Satyamev Jayate in 1987. He also took on character roles in films such as Chandni, Dayavan, and later Dabangg. Despite these efforts, he never fully recaptured the dizzying stardom he enjoyed before his spiritual hiatus. Khanna also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament, before his passing in 2003. His journey remains a poignant tale of spiritual pursuit and its personal costs.
This saga between Mahesh Bhatt, Vinod Khanna, and Osho Rajneesh offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of Bollywood and spirituality, marked by devotion, betrayal, and enduring consequences.
