Mahesh Bhatt on 30 years of 'Naajayaz': The song 'Barsaat Ke....' continues to resonate in bars and auto-rickshaws - Exclusive!

Few filmmakers in Indian cinema have been as fearless and introspective as Mahesh Bhatt. Known for weaving personal experiences into his narratives, Bhatt has always approached filmmaking as an emotional catharsis rather than just a creative endeavor. Among his many films, Naajayaz (1995) stands out—not just as a gripping crime drama but as a deeply personal exploration of identity, legitimacy, and familial conflict.
As Naajayaz completes 30 years, Mahesh Bhatt looks back at the film that, in many ways, bridged his past and future as a filmmaker. It was a turning point in his career, arriving at a time when he was rediscovering his storytelling voice. The film also marked his first significant collaboration with Ajay Devgan, an actor who would later deliver one of his finest performances in Zakhm under Bhatt’s direction.
In this exclusive conversation with ETimes, Mahesh Bhatt delves into the making of Naajayaz, its unique star cast, the music that still lingers in public memory, and the challenges Ajay Devgan faced while holding his own against a stalwart like Naseeruddin Shah. He also reflects on the film’s legacy, his admiration for Reema Lagoo’s performance, and why Naajayaz remains a film he can look back on with pride.
Three decades later, does Naajayaz still hold relevance in contemporary cinema? What does Bhatt recall most vividly about the film’s journey? Read on as he revisits one of his most significant works.
Thirty years of one of your early significant works?
Three decades is a long time, but when I look back, Naajayaz remains deeply rooted in the defining wound that shaped my cinematic journey. It was also a personal catharsis, exploring the themes of illegitimacy and an illegitimate child's search for legitimacy.
'Naajayaz' was one of your rare multistarrers?
If you want to call it that. The film had an unusual but remarkable star cast: Ajay Devgan, Juhi Chawla, Naseeruddin Shah, Deepak Tijori, Ashish Vidyarthi, and, above all, the late Reema Lagoo.
The music of the film was a major highlight?
Absolutely. It was elevated by Anu Malik’s outstanding compositions. Even today, 'Barsaat Ke Mausam Mein' continues to resonate in bars and auto-rickshaws. Written by the underrated but brilliant Sudarshan Fakir, the song remains a testament to his lyrical genius. I also had the privilege of collaborating with the legendary Rahat Indori, who penned the unforgettable Tujhe Pyaar Karte Karte Teri Neend Bhi Uda Doon—a song that still holds its place among the finest romantic melodies.
Was this the first time you worked with Ajay Devgan?
One of the most significant aspects of Naajayaz was that it served as a precursor to Ajay Devgan’s award-winning performance in Zakhm. This film marked my first true collaboration with him, though we had earlier attempted to work together on Girvi, a project that unfortunately ended after just four or five days of shooting. There was always an unfulfilled desire to work with Ajay, a longing that stemmed from a conversation I had years later with his father, the legendary action director Veeru Devgan. I had known Veeruji since my early days as an assistant to Raj Khosla. He once told me, “If my son works with you, he will become an actor. Right now, he is just a star.”
Ajay had to hold his own against Naseeruddin Shah in 'Naajayaz'?
At the time, Ajay had already gained recognition after his debut in Phool Aur Kaante, which turned him into an overnight sensation. However, in Naajayaz, he faced the challenge of sharing screen space with a giant like Naseeruddin Shah. My role as a director was to give him the confidence to believe in himself—and he did. His performance in the film was a glimpse of the powerhouse actor he would later become. As they say, when you stand before a giant, it brings out the giant within you, even if you don’t yet know it exists.

Where do you place 'Naajayaz' in your repertoire?
Naajayaz came at a crucial juncture in my career. After a strong start in the 1990s, I had delivered a few films that were, at best, mediocre. But Naajayaz was a semi-hit, and I remember critics noting that I seemed to be finding my voice again.
Thirty years later, what do you remember most about 'Naajayaz'?
Looking back, what stands out the most is the warmth that the late Reema Lagoo brought to her role. Her sensitivity made the film unique and deeply moving. Deepak Tijori, as always, delivered a solid performance, and Ashish Vidyarthi’s debut was nothing short of spectacular.
Are you proud of the film?
Unlike some filmmakers who cringe at their past work, Naajayaz remains a film I can look back on with pride. More than anything, it marked the beginning of my creative relationship with Ajay Devgan—one that would later flourish in Zakhm, earning him a National Award.