Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Pooja Bhatt Reflects on Controversial Kiss and Personal Struggles
Pooja Bhatt, a famous actress and director, once made headlines when her father, Mahesh Bhatt, kissed her on the lips for a magazine cover in the early 1990s.
This caused a lot of controversy because such displays were not common at the time.
Pooja later spoke about not regretting the kiss, calling it an innocent moment.
She also talked about her personal life, including her relationships with actor Ranvir Shorey and restaurateur Manish Makhija.
Pooja has been open about her struggle with alcohol addiction and her journey to sobriety, which she achieved in 2016.
She has since been vocal about her sobriety and her experiences on the reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2.
Pooja Bhatt and her father Mahesh Bhatt sparked controversy in the early 1990s with a magazine cover featuring a lip kiss.
Mahesh Bhatt stated he would have married Pooja if she wasn't his daughter, causing nationwide shock.
Pooja Bhatt has been open about her past relationships, including a bitter breakup with Ranvir Shorey and a marriage to Manish Makhija that ended in 2014.
She has publicly discussed her struggle with alcohol addiction and her journey to sobriety, which she achieved in 2016.
Pooja Bhatt has returned to acting and directing, winning National Film Awards and appearing in Netflix's Bombay Begums.
- Who
- Pooja Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Ranvir Shorey, Manish Makhija
- What
- Controversial kiss, personal relationships, alcohol addiction, and sobriety.
- When
- Early 1990s for the kiss, early 2000s for relationships, 2016 for sobriety.
- Where
- India, primarily Mumbai.
- Why
- To reflect on personal struggles and controversies in her life.
Defenders of the Kiss
Critics of the Kiss
Nature of the Kiss
Defenders of the Kiss
An innocent moment between a parent and child, reflecting the close bond between Pooja and her father.
Critics of the Kiss
Inappropriate and controversial, especially given the societal norms of the time.
- Pooja Bhatt
- Actress, director, and producer known for her bold roles and candid discussions about her personal life.
- Mahesh Bhatt
- Renowned Indian filmmaker and father of Pooja Bhatt.
- Controversial Kiss
- A magazine cover in the early 1990s featuring Mahesh Bhatt kissing his daughter Pooja on the lips.
- Alcohol Addiction
- Pooja Bhatt's public struggle with alcohol addiction and her journey to sobriety.
- Bigg Boss OTT 2
- Reality show where Pooja Bhatt openly discussed her personal struggles and sobriety.