Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has opened up about the difficult period he spent in prison following his arrest in a multi-crore cheating case, revealing how filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt remained a source of support despite being unable to communicate with him directly.
Vikram and his wife were arrested in December 2025 in connection with allegations that they, along with associates, persuaded Udaipur-based businessman Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of the Indira Group of Companies, to invest more than ₹30 crore in multiple film projects by promising substantial returns. After spending nearly two-and-a-half months in jail and being denied bail by the Rajasthan High Court, Vikram was granted bail by the Supreme Court in February 2026.
Speaking about Mahesh Bhatt’s role during the challenging period, Vikram said the veteran filmmaker remained in constant touch with his family members. While he was unable to speak with Mahesh directly due to strict restrictions in prison, he appreciated the concern and support extended to his loved ones.
According to Vikram, inmates were allowed only five minutes of phone access each day, making meaningful conversations nearly impossible. As a result, Mahesh Bhatt regularly checked in with his children and other family members to ensure they were coping with the situation.
Vikram also shared that Mahesh Bhatt felt helpless during the ordeal, believing there was little he could do publicly. He explained that Mahesh chose to remain cautious, fearing that any strong public statement might complicate matters further and potentially worsen the legal situation.
The controversy stemmed from Vikram Bhatt’s 2025 film Tumko Meri Kasam, which was reportedly inspired by the life of Dr. Ajay Murdia. The film later came under scrutiny after regulatory concerns emerged regarding its alleged connection to promotional activities linked to Indira IVF during a fundraising period. Around the same time, Indira IVF withdrew its proposed ₹3,500-crore IPO following regulatory examination.
Addressing suggestions that he lacked industry backing because the project was not associated with Vishesh Films, Vikram dismissed the idea. He pointed out that several of his successful films, including Awara Paagal Deewana, Deewane Huye Paagal, 1920, Haunted, and 1921, were made independently of the Bhatt banner.
Reflecting on the experience, Vikram emphasized that an artist’s true security lies in talent and hard work rather than industry connections. He stated that professional dedication remains the only reliable foundation in an unpredictable industry.
The filmmaker recently also revealed that he faced financial challenges while working on his latest project, Haunted 3D: Echoes Of The Past, adding another chapter to an eventful period in his career.