Reflecting on his nearly four-decade-long journey in the film industry, Bhatt said directors often become the easiest targets when a project underperforms at the box office.

“Directors are paid to carry the corpse of a flop film,” he remarked, summing up what he described as the harsh reality of filmmaking.

Bhatt, who is credited with popularising the horror genre in mainstream Hindi cinema through films such as Raaz, 1920, Shaapit and Haunted 3D, said the responsibility of a film ultimately rests with the director. However, recognition is rarely distributed equally.

According to him, when a film featuring a major star succeeds, the achievement is generally attributed to the actor. But when the same film fails, questions are raised about the director’s competence.

The filmmaker noted that audiences often overlook the collaborative nature of cinema. Writers, technicians, composers, editors and directors all contribute significantly to a project, yet public perception tends to revolve around the lead actor. He added that this pattern has existed for decades and is unlikely to change.

Bhatt also spoke about the difference between working with established stars and newcomers. While experienced actors bring confidence, box-office value and refined craft, he believes younger performers often come with a greater willingness to learn and experiment.

“Stars usually have a set style of working, while newcomers are more open to direction,” he explained, adding that both categories offer unique advantages to filmmakers.

During the conversation, Bhatt reflected on his association with several major actors, including Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and Suniel Shetty. He revealed that despite directing Ghulam, his successful collaboration with Aamir Khan never developed into a long-term professional partnership.

According to Bhatt, differences between producer Mukesh Bhatt and Aamir Khan at the time influenced the situation. He maintained that leaving Mukesh Bhatt, who had given him some of his earliest opportunities, would have felt like an act of disloyalty.

The director said he has always valued loyalty and personal principles over career convenience. In an industry where professional relationships often shift according to opportunity, Bhatt believes consistency and integrity are essential for long-term survival.

His career, he admitted, has seen dramatic highs and lows. There were phases when several of his films succeeded consecutively, followed by periods marked by multiple commercial failures. He compared the journey to the movement of a camel, constantly rising and falling.

Despite those fluctuations, Bhatt remains optimistic about the current phase of his career and hopes the momentum continues.

Interestingly, he argued that many of his films received recognition only years after their release. Citing Raaz and Haunted 3D, he said projects that were initially criticised later earned cult status among audiences.

For Bhatt, the true measure of success is longevity rather than immediate praise.

“Durability is acceptability,” he said, suggesting that films remembered years later ultimately stand the test of time.

The filmmaker also addressed one of the most controversial chapters of his personal life — his arrest in connection with an alleged fraud case linked to a biopic project. Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, were arrested in a case involving allegations of financial irregularities related to a proposed film project.

He spent around 70 days in Udaipur jail during the legal proceedings.

Asked whether being a public figure amplified the controversy, Bhatt said celebrity status inevitably attracts greater attention. Incidents that might otherwise remain local stories often become national headlines when a well-known personality is involved.

Looking back on his life, Bhatt said a biographical film based on his journey would have a simple title: Sangharsh (Struggle). Whether in cinema, personal life or spirituality, he believes struggle has been the defining theme of his story.