Mahesh Bhatt Hosts 'Pehchaan' Series Featuring Sikh Stories of Resilience and Faith
Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is set to anchor Pehchaan, a compelling show that brings together 13 Sikh voices and their powerful narratives of resilience, faith, and service. Premiering this Baisakhi on SonyLIV and its YouTube channel, the series has left a profound impact on Bhatt, who describes it as a transformative experience rather than just a television program.
Concept and Creation of the Series
The series was conceptualized by Vinay Bhardwaj, meticulously researched by Dr. Prabhleen Singh, and directed by Suhrita Das. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Bhatt opened up about how Pehchaan became a deeply introspective journey for him, touching on themes of spirituality, unlearning, fatherhood, his bond with granddaughter Raha Kapoor, and memories of legendary singer Asha Bhosle.
'Pehchaan Was a Mirror, Not a Show'
For Bhatt, Pehchaan transcended mere storytelling. "Pehchaan was never a show for me... it was a mirror. And mirrors can be cruel—they don't flatter, they reveal," he said. Engaging with the stories of Sikh faith and seva (selfless service), Bhatt found himself in the presence of something pure and untouched by the noise of modern life.
He emphasized that the experience was not about learning something new but about remembering something he had forgotten within himself. "What shifted within me while doing Pehchaan was not information—it was a change in my way of seeing," Bhatt explained. He observed how Sikhism revealed itself not as belief but as action, teaching that serving another human being is akin to touching the divine.
The Painful Act of Unlearning
Bhatt reflected on the concept of unlearning, which became central to his journey through the show. "Unlearning, for me, has been the dropping of this need to stand at the centre. To interpret, to control," he stated. He described unlearning as a painful act, involving the dismantling of identities, beliefs, and defenses built over years.
One significant illusion he had to let go of was the notion of control. "I always believed I was the author of my journey. But through these stories, I realized... we are often just instruments," Bhatt admitted. Surrendering this illusion brought a shift and softening in his perspective.
Embracing Grandfatherhood and Raha Kapoor
Bhatt also spoke warmly about his new role as grandfather to Raha Kapoor, daughter of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor. He called it a transformative emotional experience, describing Raha as "a drop of divinity" whose vitality and sharp mind bring joy to his life.
"Her mind—sharp, almost evolutionary. She gives you a sense of time," he said, reflecting on the continuity of life through generations. Bhatt acknowledged that this experience is universal among grandparents, each rediscovering life through their grandchildren.
Remembering Asha Bhosle's Legacy
Reflecting on legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Bhatt recalled a memory tied to an unfinished film called Mukti, which had music composed by R.D. Burman. "For my generation, it was not just music—it was breath," he said, emphasizing Bhosle's enduring gift of range, rebellion, and aliveness in her voice.
Finding Meaning in Flux
At this stage of his life, Bhatt says he no longer feels the need to define himself. "So what is my pehchaan now? I don't define it. The moment you define yourself, you reduce yourself. I am in flux. And that is enough," he concluded, embracing a state of constant evolution and openness to life's experiences.
