‘Pehchaan was getting us all teary-eyed knowing the heart-touching stories and what real heroes look like’

Indian film director-producer Mahesh Bhatt has got on board for a one-of-a-kind talk show, Pehchaan: The Unscripted Show on Sony LIV. As a host this time, Mahesh Bhatt reveals the hidden jewels in the life tales of notable Sikh guests from a range of backgrounds through engrossing debates and heartfelt conversations. Every guest’s story, from fearless businesspeople to exceptional sportsmen, from committed social activists to renowned artists, exemplifies the unwavering Sikh spirit.
Under the inspiring direction of Suhrita Das and in association with producers Vinay Bhardwaj and Asees Chadha, Pehchaan is a project that looks to be a unique and poignant look into the lives of thirteen wellknown Sikhs in India. The Pioneer got an opportunity to engage with its producer, Vinay Bharadwaj, who, apart from the project, shares a close association with Mahesh Bhatt in real life too.
His journey into the film industry has been nothing but a fascinating exploration of creativity and storytelling. Starting from producing plays to heading my music label Envy worldwide, he found his passion for producing and contributing to meaningful cinema when, “I met Mahesh Bhatt and his yes nod to me to join him and learn the storytelling and film making. It all began with producing Mahesh Bhatt Sahab’s first regional film, Dushman, directed by Aashiqui 2 writer Shagufta Rafique.”
The allure of storytelling and the power of cinema to evoke emotions and provoke thought inspired him to become a film producer. Having always believed in the impact of visual storytelling on society, he also used to observe a few films that did well. However, he always used to believe there was much more he could do if he had made the same films. The urge to do more, give newcomers a platform, and be the hope of aspiring actors, directors, and other technicians was a major inspiration.
Going ahead and sharing his connection with Mahesh Bhatt, he gushes, “He has been a mentor and a source of inspiration. Our shared commitment to authentic storytelling has led to a collaborative and fruitful partnership. We met in one of the theater plays we created for one of his films, Arth. After that, there is no looking back, and we connected on spiritual and work levels so well that from 2006 until date, there has been no day we have not spoken or messaged. Some past-life connections and a lot of love and learning for life are what Mahesh Bhatt means to me.
Pehchaan has been a project close to his heart, inspired by, of course, Mahesh Bhatt. The hallmark of Pehchaan lies in its honest conversations, offering a fresh perspective on hope, inspiration, and service to humanity. The anticipation for Pehchaan for him grew organically due to its heart-to-heart conversation and connection with every individual. The show resonates with audiences because of its uniqueness and real stories of courage, sacrifice, and inspiration.
“I echo Mahesh Bhatt’s sentiment about the need for more intimate conversations in the Indian entertainment landscape. The vast canvas of heart-touching stories and their impact on the masses because of emotional value is the real pier of Indian cinema,” he shares, adding, “While working on Pehchaan, I encountered challenges that shaped the narrative and enriched the storytelling process. These moments added depth and authenticity to the project. My earlier two-release Hindi films, Ab Dilli Dur Nahin and Hukus Bukus, were heart-touching stories, but because the marketing budgets of other big projects are so vast, getting them noticed in a rural market has been a really tough moment. All calculations and planning changed so frequently, but in the end, it all went well.”
The stories within Pehchaan, he says, have transformed him personally. “The journey of each character has left a lasting impression on my perspective, and few real characters have hit me so much that we have used the characters in our films like Hukus Bukus. One memorable moment while working on Pehchaan was getting tears in the eyes of the crew while shooting, and at the end of majorly each episode there were claps and requests for selfies and feet-touching moments with the guest as crew. After knowing the stories were so touching and knowing what real heroes look like, I loved the thank you for making us part of the show response from each member on release, highlighting the collaborative effort that defines the filmmaking process.”
As a producer, he is drawn to projects with heartfelt and life-changing messages, compelling stories, and unique themes. “My idol in the industry is Sanjay Leela Bhansali due to his innovative storytelling, career longevity, and masterpieces in every film or piece of content he has made. Mahesh Bhatt is my Guru and Guide, and he always asked me to be myself and not idolize anyone, as there can never be anyone as unique as myself, and to train and learn so well from varied directors’ filmmaking styles and ways,” shares the talented producer as we head to the end of the chat, adding, “Looking ahead, I aim to begin my most important project, Illuminati, which will resonate with each struggler and handle the way of life after tasting success and beyond. The film is very close to my heart and will be something big to look for in 2024, followed by an exciting reality show with prominent youth icons and season 2 of Pehchaan with Royal Families of India and prominent Brahmins of the country and their contributions .