In a candid and emotional interview, actor-director Pooja Bhatt has opened up about the deep-seated guilt that Soni Razdan carried for years regarding her relationship with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. The revelation sheds light on the complex family dynamics that have long been a subject of public curiosity, especially given the prominence of the Bhatt family in Bollywood.
Speaking on journalist Vickey Lalwani's YouTube channel, Pooja revisited a heart-to-heart conversation she had with Soni Razdan during a trip to Coonoor. According to her, Soni confessed that she felt responsible for disrupting Mahesh Bhatt's first marriage to Kiran Bhatt, the mother of Pooja and Rahul Bhatt. "She said, 'Pooja, I too feel so guilty, felt very guilty,'" Pooja recalled. The actress added that she responded by telling Soni not to blame herself for something that was already fragile. "You could not have broken up a relationship that was together. There is no space for anybody in a relationship that is solid unless there are crevices there," she said.
This admission from Soni Razdan is significant because it humanizes a narrative that often pits women against each other in the context of broken marriages. The Bollywood industry has seen its share of scandals and broken homes, but the Bhatt family has always managed to maintain a veneer of dignity despite the upheaval. Pooja's account of her stepmother's guilt adds a layer of emotional complexity to a story that has been told in glossies and gossip columns for decades.
Mahesh Bhatt is one of India's most celebrated filmmakers, known for his unconventional and often controversial narratives. His personal life has been as dramatic as his films. He was married to Kiran Bhatt, with whom he had two children, Pooja and Rahul. The marriage faced strain, and Bhatt met Soni Razdan during the making of the film "Saaransh" in 1984. The relationship blossomed, leading to his separation from Kiran. Bhatt and Soni Razdan married in 1986 and have two daughters, Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt. Alia has since become one of Bollywood's biggest stars, while Shaheen is an author.
Pooja also revealed that Mahesh Bhatt had personally told her about Soni Razdan long before the relationship became public knowledge. She said the filmmaker chose to speak to her directly instead of letting her hear about it through rumours or film magazines. Recalling the moment, Pooja shared, "He woke me up and said, 'I have to let you know that I have met this lady, and I am going to be moving out. It doesn't mean that I love you any less, and I will always be there.'" She added that she appreciated the honesty. "I would rather have heard it from my father or my mother than through Stardust, Cine Blitz or the mohalla," she said.
This direct communication from Mahesh Bhatt to his daughter highlights his approach to parenting during a tumultuous time. It also underscores the importance of transparency in family relationships, even when those relationships are undergoing change. Pooja's mature response at that young age—she was a teenager when her parents separated—set the tone for the respectful co-parenting that followed.
While speaking about the difficult period, Pooja acknowledged that she witnessed her mother Kiran Bhatt's pain firsthand. However, she noted that her parents maintained "decorum and grace" in the way they dealt with each other despite the separation. This ability to rise above bitterness is rare, especially in the high-stakes world of Bollywood where public perception often fuels private drama.
The guilt carried by Soni Razdan is echoed in many blended families where the new partner feels responsible for the dissolution of the previous relationship. Pooja's response to Soni—that no one can break a solid relationship—is a mature perspective that offers a lesson in forgiveness and emotional responsibility. It also reflects the evolving dynamics within the Bhatt family, where all members have managed to maintain cordial relations.
Over the years, the Bhatt family has been in the spotlight not just for their professional achievements but also for their personal lives. Mahesh Bhatt's films often explored themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, mirroring the complexities he faced in real life. His daughters—Pooja, Alia, and Shaheen—have each carved out successful careers, proving that a family can thrive even after going through upheaval.
Pooja herself has been open about her own struggles with alcohol and her journey to sobriety. Her willingness to speak about difficult topics, including her family's past, has endeared her to fans and made her a respected voice in the industry. In this interview, she once again demonstrated her ability to discuss sensitive subjects with clarity and compassion.
The story of Soni Razdan's guilt is not just a piece of gossip; it is a reminder that behind every headline there are real people dealing with complex emotions. The Bhatt family's ability to navigate these emotions with grace serves as an example for many who face similar situations. And while the past can never be rewritten, the willingness to acknowledge guilt and offer forgiveness can pave the way for a healthier future.
Pooja's interview also touched upon how her father's honesty with her as a child shaped her understanding of relationships. She noted that many children of divorced parents suffer from a lack of communication, which can lead to resentment. In her case, her parents' upfront approach allowed her to process the changes without bitterness. "I think that transparency is what saved me from becoming a bitter person," she remarked. This insight is particularly valuable in a society where parents often try to shield children from difficult truths, sometimes with unintended consequences.
The film "Saaransh" marked a turning point in Mahesh Bhatt's career as well as his personal life. The movie, which dealt with themes of loss and resilience, starred Anupam Kher and Rohini Hattangadi. It was during its production that Bhatt and Soni Razdan grew close. The film went on to become a critical success, but its real-life impact on the Bhatt family was far more profound. Pooja's recounting of her stepmother's guilt brings a human element to this historical footnote.
In recent years, the Bhatt family has often been seen together at public events, with Kiran Bhatt and Soni Razdan even photographed in the same frame on occasion. This maturity is a testament to the work they have done to maintain relationships despite the complex history. Pooja's interview offers a rare glimpse into the emotional work that went into achieving such harmony.
The broader takeaway from Pooja's revelations is that no relationship is perfect, and the courage to address past hurts can lead to healing. Soni Razdan's guilt, though heavy, was ultimately lightened by Pooja's understanding. And Mahesh Bhatt's decision to tell his daughter the truth directly set a standard for honesty that has resonated through the family. As the Bhatt family continues to thrive in their respective fields, their story serves as a narrative of resilience, grace, and the power of open communication.
Source: MSN News