Pooja Bhatt Opens Up About Uncomfortable On-Screen Kiss with Sanjay Dutt
In a candid revelation on her podcast, actress and producer Pooja Bhatt has shared a memorable and awkward moment from her early film career involving a kissing scene with co-star Sanjay Dutt. The incident highlights the complexities of filming intimate scenes in Bollywood and offers a glimpse into the dynamic between the Bhatt family and their collaborators.
From Actor to Producer: Pooja Bhatt's Multifaceted Career
Pooja Bhatt began her cinematic journey under the mentorship of her father, acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Together, they created several iconic films that left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Their collaborative works include:
- Sadak (1991) – A romantic thriller that became a cult classic
- Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991) – A musical romance that showcased Pooja's acting range
- Zakhm (1998) – An emotionally charged drama that explored religious tensions
After establishing herself as a successful actor, Pooja expanded her creative horizons by venturing into production. More recently, she has embraced the digital space as the host of The Pooja Bhatt Show, a podcast where she shares personal anecdotes and industry insights.
The Awkward Kissing Scene That Sparked Controversy
During a recent episode of her podcast, Pooja Bhatt recalled a particularly uncomfortable moment while filming a scene that required her character to kiss Sanjay Dutt's character. She described feeling extremely awkward about the situation, stating, "I had to kiss Sanjay Dutt and I wanted to crawl under the nearest rock."
The discomfort was mutual. Sanjay Dutt, who had known Pooja since she was a child, expressed his reluctance to film the intimate scene. He reportedly told the crew, "I am not going to kiss her, I have seen her as a child."
Mahesh Bhatt's Blunt Response to Hypocrisy
When director Mahesh Bhatt overheard Sanjay Dutt's objection, he responded with characteristic bluntness. Pooja recalled her father's words: "So my father said, 'That's complete hypocrisy. If you can't kiss her, then you have no business kissing anybody else's daughter.'"
This incident illustrates Mahesh Bhatt's practical approach to filmmaking and his philosophy about on-screen intimacy. Pooja shared a piece of advice her father often repeated: "It's never the act, it's the attitude." This perspective emphasizes the professional mindset required when filming sensitive scenes, separating personal relationships from artistic expression.
Mahesh Bhatt's Return to Direction and Family Collaborations
After directing the 1999 film Kartoos, Mahesh Bhatt stepped away from active filmmaking for nearly two decades, serving in an advisory capacity at Vishesh Films. His return to the director's chair came with Sadak 2 in 2020, which marked a significant family reunion on multiple fronts.
The film was particularly special as it featured:
- A reunion with daughter Pooja Bhatt
- Mahesh Bhatt's first and only collaboration with his younger daughter, Alia Bhatt
- The return of Sanjay Dutt to the Bhatt production fold
- Additional star power from Aditya Roy Kapur
Pooja Bhatt's Recent Projects and Career Evolution
Pooja Bhatt continues to maintain an active presence in the entertainment industry with diverse projects across different platforms. Her recent work demonstrates her versatility as a performer:
- Chup: Revenge of the Artist (2022) – A psychological thriller directed by R. Balki that explored themes of art and criticism
- Big Girls Don't Cry (2024) – An OTT series that showcases her ability to adapt to digital storytelling formats
Through her podcast and continued acting work, Pooja Bhatt remains an influential voice in Indian entertainment, offering unique perspectives shaped by her decades of experience in the industry. Her willingness to share personal stories like the awkward kissing scene with Sanjay Dutt provides valuable insights into the human dynamics behind Bollywood's glamorous facade.
