Motivational Mahesh

“There are hundreds and thousands of gods and goddesses and innumerable icons and role models…the pedestal is groaning under their weight and can’t take any more. So,look for the hero in yourself rather than looking up to some other character,imaginary or real,” said film maker Mahesh Bhatt,handing out wisdom to students of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital on Friday. While in town to stage his theatre production The Last Salute, he was invited to deliver a motivational lecture to the medicos. “Walk on your legs,even if they shake,because crutches,even if made of gold,are crutches after all,” he continued. He blamed callousness of the highest and mightiest as the root of the “worst crisis” India is going through.

“The successful are just busy indulging in material comforts and luxuries. Doctors and lawyers are turning into brutes,fleecing patients misusing knowledge and technology. When you complete your education,remember to pay back what you have taken from the society. People are remembered not for what they have but for what they give,” he advised and as a proof that he was not just preaching but practising all this too,he enumerated the contribution he is making by associating himself with social causes,including joining hands with Justice Markandey Katju in the appeal to set free Pakistani octagenarian Khalil Chishty released from prison in India on humanitarian grounds.

“The films I make are my bread and butter and as much as you hate me for making Murder,Jism and some other such,you never miss the opportunity to watch them! I am simultaneously making documentaries on the plight of people in Naxal-hit areas and other socially relevant issues,” he said.

“I have no political ambitions. I am doing fine the way I am,thank you very much. Throughout the probe into my son Rahul’s association with Richard Headley,the investigating agencies were most cordial and business-like. It was some section of the media that was targeting me for my leanings towards the minorities and people of Pakistan,” said Bhatt.