Mahesh Bhatt Remembers Sanjeev Kumar and Their Deep Cinematic Bond
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt looks back at his profound friendship with the legendary Sanjeev Kumar, recalling mentorship, quiet kindness, and shared moments of cinema.
Published 6 November 2026
The Sad News of a Sudden Passing
On the evening of November 6, 1985, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt was working in the editing room at Dimple Theatre with David Dhawan on the film Naam. The quiet atmosphere of cutting film was suddenly interrupted when Rajendra Kumar walked into the room with devastating news.
He announced that Sanjeev Kumar had passed away. Work immediately came to a halt, trial shows were cancelled, and the preview theatre fell into a heavy, memorable silence before Bhatt went to pay his respects at the actor's home.
First Encounters and Early Encouragement
Their friendship began years earlier in the seventies through mutual acquaintances, specifically at the home of background dancer Kuldeep Talwar where Sanjeev Kumar enjoyed good food and conversation. Bhatt, who was struggling with an unreleased first film and very little money, spent hours talking about his fierce passion for cinema.
Recognizing this deep hunger for movies, Sanjeev Kumar offered quiet encouragement. Around the time Bhatt's debut film Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain was held up by censors, a bouquet of red roses arrived at Bhatt's house with a note from Sanjeev predicting that his flight as a filmmaker was certain.
Unwavering Support During Dark Times
Even after Bhatt's first film bombed at the box office, Sanjeev Kumar agreed to star in his next project, Vishwasghaat. Despite maintaining a grueling daytime schedule shooting for Sholay near Bangalore, the veteran actor would routinely show up late at night to shoot double roles at Bangalore Palace just to ensure Bhatt had ongoing work.
Later, when Bhatt faced immense personal turmoil involving Parveen Babi and the heartbreaking breakdown of his personal life, Sanjeev Kumar offered steady empathy and silent support during their overlapping time in the south.
Lessons in Filmmaking and Generosity
Sanjeev Kumar frequently took Bhatt under his wing, introducing him to rare cinema screenings at Shree Cinema and bringing him along as a guest to the USIS to watch a documentary on Frank Capra. It was there that hearing Capra's philosophy about people struggling and coming through their pain fundamentally altered Bhatt's approach to making movies.
On another occasion while shooting Trishul in Delhi, the actor handed over his film festival pass so that Bhatt could spend his days completely immersed in watching world cinema, including seeing Akira Kurosawa in person, while the actor stayed behind to work.
Creative Shifts and Saaransh
As Bhatt eventually found his footing and directed Arth—a project born entirely out of his own life experiences—his direct contact with Sanjeev Kumar grew a bit less frequent due to demanding work schedules, leaving the actor slightly hurt by the distance.
Later, during the planning of Saaransh, producers initially suggested casting Sanjeev Kumar in the main role instead of Anupam Kher. Although Bhatt ultimately pivoted to Anupam Kher after seeing his fiery intensity, Sanjeev graciously accepted being passed over without making the director carry any guilt.
News Overview
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt reflects on his enduring and supportive friendship with the late Sanjeev Kumar on the actor's death anniversary. The retrospective highlights Sanjeev Kumar's generosity, mentorship in the film industry, and the personal kindness that shaped Bhatt's life and career.
Key facts
- Sanjeev Kumar passed away on November 6, 1985.
- Mahesh Bhatt was cutting the film Naam at Dimple Theatre with David Dhawan when he heard the news.
- Rajendra Kumar brought the news of Sanjeev Kumar's death to the editing room.
- Bhatt's first film was Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain.
- Sanjeev Kumar starred in Bhatt's film Vishwasghaat, shooting at night while working on Sholay during the day.
- Sanjeev Kumar lent his Asterix comics to Bhatt's daughter, Pooja.