When veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently claimed that, as a young struggler, he once fed “human flesh” to an investor following directions from a tantrik, it set social media alight. The startling revelation has generated waves of criticism, especially from those who feel it tarnishes the public perception of his daughter, Alia Bhatt. But beyond the shock factor, this controversy raises questions about accountability, celebrity influence, and how personal confessions impact a family’s public image.
In this article, we break down what Bhatt said, how people are reacting, whether this could genuinely affect Alia Bhatt, and what lessons emerge about celebrity culture and accountability.
What Did Mahesh Bhatt Actually Say?
The confession
Mahesh Bhatt recounted this episode during a conversation on The Pooja Bhatt Show. He described being in his 20s, struggling to find film funding, when a tantrik in Varanasi supposedly handed him a pouch alleged to contain human flesh. According to Bhatt, the tantrik advised him: wrap that flesh in a paan (betel leaf) and feed it to a potential investor to secure backing.
Bhatt claims the investor agreed to chew the paan, but ultimately no funding followed.He said this was one of the many extreme measures he considered during his early career. (The Times of India)
Origins of the story
The narrative begins in Varanasi and Gaya. Bhatt says he visited the tantrik on a trip en route to meet a potential financier in Gaya. The tantrik purportedly claimed the “human flesh” was collected from ghats, packaged, and stored in a cupboard. The idea was that this flesh held mystical power, and feeding it would “unlock” financial luck.
Bhatt admitted that they eventually used a paan to administer it.
However, critics and some observers have raised doubts about whether the flesh was truly human, or whether the account has been exaggerated over time.
Why Is This Causing Uproar?
Social media reaction & trolling
Once the confession went viral, many netizens expressed disgust, invoked moral judgments, and voiced concern for Alia Bhatt’s reputation. Some called it “disturbing,” while others accused Mahesh Bhatt of attention-seeking. Hashtags and memes circulated rapidly across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The criticisms often combine two lines: (1) the shocking nature of the act itself, and (2) its potential negative reflection on Alia Bhatt, who maintains a relatively clean public image compared to her father’s more controversial persona.
Reputation risk for Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt, a top Bollywood actress with endorsements and a broad public following, tends to steer clear of extreme controversies. Some commentators say that such confessions by close family members can leak into her public perception, even if indirectly.
Still, others argue that the public is sophisticated enough to separate the artist from the parent, especially when Alia herself makes no related statements.
Can This Kill Alia Bhatt’s Image?
Factors that may protect her
- Autonomy & distance: Alia has her own career, body of work, and public identity. She has distanced herself from her father’s controversial statements in the past.
- Limited attribution: Many fans and media will treat Mahesh’s confession as his alone, not as a commentary on Alia.
- Time & context: Shock value fades. Unless Alia is involved or makes statements, people may move on.
Risks she might face
- Associative guilt: Human psychology tends to link related figures—even when unfairly.
- Media amplification: Tabloids may sensationalize the connection.
- Brand reluctance: Some marketers or brands might hesitate to associate with individuals embroiled in moral controversies (especially in sensitive markets).
On balance, the risk is real but not necessarily overwhelming—unless new revelations link Alia more directly to the issue.
The Broader Lesson for Celebrities and Public Figures
Confession vs. accountability
A confession, no matter how vivid, does not equal accountability unless it is accompanied by context, reflection, and transparency. Mahesh Bhatt’s storytelling is powerful, but it also invites skepticism and calls for scrutiny.
Managing backlash
A celebrity family must prepare for reputation spillover. Public silence, selective response, or clear distancing can sometimes help manage fallout.
The danger of extreme narratives
In the digital era, shocking stories spread fast. Whether or not they are fully true, they can linger in public memory longer than correction or nuance.
FAQ
Q1. Is there any proof that Mahesh Bhatt actually fed someone human flesh?
No credible forensic or legal evidence has been presented so far. The story is based on Bhatt’s own recollection. (The Indian Express)
Q2. Did the investor involved ever speak out or confirm the incident?
There is no public record of the purported investor confirming or denying the event.
Q3. Has Alia Bhatt responded to these claims?
As of now, Alia Bhatt has not issued any public comment specific to her father’s revelation.
Q4. Could this confession have legal or moral consequences?
Legally, it may be difficult without evidence. Morally, it may affect public perception, but that depends on how the story evolves and how the individuals respond.
Q5. How common are these types of extreme confessions in celebrity interviews?
They’re rare, which is part of why this one grabbed attention. They often generate sensational headlines and moral debates.
Conclusion
Mahesh Bhatt’s shocking claim about feeding human flesh to an investor is bound to be debated for some time. Whether it damages Alia Bhatt’s image depends on how the story is treated—whether it becomes a passing scandal or is leveraged into a broader narrative about moral judgment and celebrity accountability.
If you’re following Bollywood, keep an eye out for any statements from Alia or Mahesh, or responses from their PR teams. And in the meantime, this is a reminder: in a connected world, even the most personal confessions can become public property—and their echoes may ripple far beyond the original speaker.
Thanks for reading. If you like, I can also draft a shorter version suited for mobile or social media, or track how this evolves over the next few days. Do you want me to?
