Krishna Bhatt on lessons from Mahesh Bhatt, comparison with dad Vikram Bhatt’s 1920: ‘I’m told I can’t be in this industry if I am a softy’

Addressing how comparisons will be drawn between her film and her father’s 2008 film, she says, “I started my career because of that film. I decided to become a filmmaker after seeing my father work on that film. I feel blessed that today I am making my debut with a film with the same name. I was the first one to compare my film with his. It is not an easy decision to become a filmmaker especially because he is such an established filmmaker, but I always wanted to be a director, and here I am. I wondered if I am stupid that I am walking into a zone where I will be compared to not one but three people. But I feel there couldn’t be a more perfect film than this for me to make my debut with.”

On being asked how has she prepared herself from the comparisons people will draw with her father’s 1920 film series, Krishna says, “I am the first one who compared the two films, so if I did it I am sure people will do it too. My father is next to God for me, so if I have made the film even a little close to how my father made it then I am happy. I am not in competition with my father, I am happy being me. Some people will like it, some people will not like it, I am prepared for it. I am only hoping for the best. My dad had told me that I can’t be in this industry if I am a softy.”

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has penned the script of the Avika Gor starrer. On how was it to collaborate with her father’s mentor, and now hers? Krishna says, “What Mahesh uncle gives you the most is the courage to be yourself. He wrote the film and while being with him in the writing room with him he told me that don’t pretend to be something you are not. Don’t pretend to be feeling something you don’t feel and you don’t have to pretend to be happy when you are sad and just feel what you are feeling and be emotionally honest.”

“Working with him is an experience because he doesn’t make you feel stupid or small or young, he makes you feel as important and you have as much credibility as anyone else. He made me sit and narrate the film as I saw it before it went on the floor. He made me internalise and imbibe it, so that’s something I have got from Mahesh uncle along with his unmatchable support in doing what I feel is right. He always believes that the director is the deciding factor, is the ultimate and he really treats you like that when you are directing the film,” Krishna concludes.