Director Vikram Bhatt's mother dies at 85 after prolonged illness

Director-producer Vikram Bhatt's mother, Varsha Bhatt died at 85. She was the wife of well-known cinematographer Pravin Bhatt. Her cremation was scheduled at the Versova crematorium at 2:00 pm on Saturday in the presence of close family members.

Varsha had been unwell for some time due to an unspecified prolonged illness, as reported by ANI. Vikram and his family are yet to release a press statement, but an obituary announcing her death and informing people of her last rites is doing the rounds on social media.

Varsha's husband Pravin is credited for his works in films such as Sadak (1991), Agneepath (1990), Aashiqui (1990), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991). Her son Vikram entered the Hindi film industry when he



was 14-years-old. He was an assistant director to Mukul Anand on his debut film 'Kanoon Kya Karega' (1984).

Vikram later directed many mainstream Bollywood films including the blockbuster 'Ghulaam' (1998), featuring actors Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. He is also known for directing the 2002 horror-romance film 'Raaz'. Actors Dino Morea and Bipasha Basu got recognition post the success of the movie produced by then Mahesh Bhatt-Mukesh Bhatt-owned Visheh Films.

He later directed films like 'Aetbaar', 'Footpath' and 'Raaz 3' for the banner. Apart from starting his own production house, Vikram also acted in some films. However, his biggest commercial successes are the ones linked to this long association with Vishesh Films.