In the latest uncut version of "The Invincibles," filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt shared candid insights into his tumultuous relationship with the late actress Parveen Babi, highlighting the impact of her mental illness on their lives and careers.
Reflecting on their time together in the 1980s, Mahesh Bhatt revealed how he became an integral part of Babi's struggle with mental health issues. He recounted the difficult decision to leave her, influenced by advice from his friend Yugi and a doctor who believed Mahesh's presence exacerbated her condition. “I did not meet her after we parted ways in the 80s because I was a part of her illness,” Bhatt said. “According to my understanding, when she had a breakdown, my friend Yugi, who helped me a lot, said, ‘Look, you will never be out of this business and she’s unfit for this business. You are the gunpowder and she is the fire. So if you really love her, leave her.’”
Mahesh tried to help Babi recover, but her mental disorder had a cyclic nature, making stability elusive. “She came back, and they don’t understand that this mental disorder has a cyclic nature and you start feeling that you can stay afloat in this viciously competitive business, very unforgiving,” he explained. “At that point, I ran away with her, yeah, because there was a set of ‘Shaan’ put up and she was a big part of that movie.”
Recalling a meeting with GP Sippy, the producer of 'Shaan,' Bhatt described the industry's lack of understanding and patience regarding mental health. “I remember walking up to GP Sippy’s office. He just looked at me and said ‘What’s happening?’ At that time, mental illness was an enigma. I said, ‘Look, she’s had a kind of a psychotic breakdown.’ He asked, ‘What is that?’ and I tried to explain.”
The film industry’s pressures led to a controversial suggestion for Babi’s treatment. “The doctor said it takes 6 to 8 weeks for her to come back to functional normalcy, but they didn’t have time. The doctor suggested Electroconvulsive Shock Treatment (ECT) for quick results. I disagreed with that and took her away to Bangalore,” Bhatt recounted.
Bhatt shared his radical stance against ECT, understanding the desperation that drives people to seek quick fixes. He emphasized the importance of natural recovery without extreme measures, despite the medical fraternity’s endorsement of ECT. “I’ve a very radical position against ECT though the whole medical fraternity now swears by it,” he stated.
The filmmaker also reflected on the genetic predisposition to mental illness that Babi might have had. “It’s a genetic thing. When I looked back, I discovered that there were traces of her condition. Recently, Kabir mentioned experiencing similar issues with her in Italy,” he revealed. “Obviously, she was genetically predisposed towards it, and she had suppressed it. But to me, it came like a bolt from the blue.”
Mahesh Bhatt's revelations shed light on the complexities of mental illness and the personal struggles faced by Parveen Babi, offering a poignant reflection on their relationship and her battle for normalcy.
