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Mahesh Bhatt says he shot with Sanjay Dutt very closely in Naam. He not just refers to Dutt’s close-up shots, but even a proximity to him when the actor was undergoing a difficult phase of his personal life. The 1986 film was a blockbuster, not just because of a gripping plot and memorable performances, but even for the stars associated with it.
Naam follows the story of Vicky, played by Dutt, who gets entrapped in a criminal plot after he leaves his country for work. The hit movie also starred Nutan, Kumar Gaurav, Paresh Rawal, Poonam Dhillon, Amrita Singh, and others.
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Naam – comeback of four artistes
Close to four decades later, Naam is still considered a “comeback” for four people – Salim Khan, Pankaj Udhas, Sanjay Dutt and Kumar Gaurav.
Naam was Salim Khan’s first solo screenwriting project post his infamous split with Javed Akhtar. After working as a duo for 15 years, and changing the canvas of Indian cinema by creating the “angry young man”, Salim-Javed ended their association with their last movie together, Mr India (1987).
Infact, it was Salim who was instrumental in introducing then struggling actor Paresh Rawal to Mahesh Bhatt. Rawal went on to play the antagonist and deliver a performance that gave him a stronghold in Bollywood.
Chithi Aayi Hai was born
Naam was a comeback vehicle for even ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas. This was his second film song, and the first time he even appeared in his track in a film. Before this, he had lent his voice in a portion of Munne Ki Amma Yeh To Bata that was majorly a Kishore Kumar song. This time, his Chithi Aayi Hai was beyond measure. Though he was averse to appearing in the song, Mahesh Bhatt was adamant. Bhatt recalls while Udhas told him “I only do live shows”, Bhatt told him, “Then you do a live show, we will shoot that for our film.”
Thus, a song was born for ages. It had longing, melancholy and deep emotional connotations. Chithi Aayi Hai still remains a part of our classic playlist!
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Naam was important for Sanjay Dutt
While Dutt was just out of his rehab, looking for a return, Bhatt believes the actor poured in all his real sentiments and struggles into his character Vicky, that made Naam one of his most cherished work till date. It was an important film even for Kumar Gaurav who was struggling to find his ground after being declared a “one-film wonder” post Love Story (1981). Bhatt believes “Dutt gave a standout performance in Naam, because Gaurav was outstanding!”
Mahesh Bhatt's contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled. From picking bold and heartwarming human stories, to showing the light to many newcomers and struggling actors, his movies have been a genre in itself for decades. It is the way his storytelling connects with the masses, that makes him a filmmaker par excellence. As he says, "A director is audience's representative on a film set."