7 Bollywood directors and their muses

Some directors might not publicly declare having a muse but we know better!

KARACHI: When we talk about directors and their muses the first thing that comes to mind is Hollywood, for it is flowing with such tales.

Who wouldn’t know of Alferd Hitchcock's obsession with Tippy Herden? Or Quentin Tarantino’s admiration for Uma Thurman’s acting skills. Both directors gave out huge releases and birthed remarkable characters. It’s a deadly combo because muses often play a heightened ‘film star’ version of their directors, a character based on the directors’ own selves.

But the bond of directors and their muses is not limited to just Hollywood. It is a concept well known in Bollywood too. Some directors might not publicly declare having a muse but we know there's something cooking when there's growing partiality and evident inclination.

Here is a list of seven Bollywood directors and their ‘muse to keep close’ who worked together to make several successful films.

1. Parveen Babi - Mahesh Bhatt



The beautiful actress had some issues but with her looks and performance she won the hearts of many and left quite a mark on Mahesh Bhatt’s heart. He was so besotted with her that even after they reportedly called it quits after two years of a live-in relationship, he dedicated his 1982 movie Arth to Parveen. Smita Patil’s role in the movie was based on her. After the actress died in 2005, the director went on to make Woh Lamhe which was based on his relationship with Babi.

2. Ameesha Patel – Vikram Bhatt



They met on the sets of Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage in 2002, and that was the turning point of their professional relationship which soon turned into a personal one. Vikram and Ameesha were together for five years and were rumored to tie the knot but they parted ways instead.



Now Sapna Pabbi seems to have replaced Ameesha. Sapna, who is making her big screen debut with Bhatt's Khamoshiyaan, has apparently been getting special treatment on the sets owing to her 'muse' status. The actress has recently shifted to a new apartment, which is located just next to Vikram's house. That bit of information has caused quite a buzz.

3. Urmila Matondkar - Ram Gopal Verma



One of the most successful director-muse relationships of recent times. Urmila was the original muse of director Ram Gopal Verma before Antara Mali came along. He has cast her in a number of his movies like Antham, Satya, Kaun, Bhoot, Ek Hasina Thi, Rangeela, Daud, Mast, Jungle and Bhoot.

4. Mahima Chaudhry- Subhash Ghai



Subhash was the one who discovered Mahima. The actress’ actual name is Ritu Chaudhry but Subhash was credulous about the letter ‘M’ so he rechristened her Mahima. Pardes was the only movie they worked together on but then what started as a mentor-muse relationship became enmeshed in legal conflict. Things went so unpleasant that Mahima went on to say in interviews that Subhash Ghai was “too possessive”.

5. Sonakshi Sinha- Prabhu Deva



It is well-known to all that Sonakshi Sinha is Prabhu Deva's favourite. Having delivered hits like Rowdy Rathore and R… Rajkumar, both share a great working relationship and have grown comfortable with each other's working style. The choreographer-turned-filmmaker prefers working with her in his films. In fact, he considers Sonakshi to be his lucky charm.

6. Aishwarya Rai - Sanjay Leela Bhansali



Aishwarya Rai’s claim to fame is her captivating beauty. Fans are enchanted by her looks and Sanjay Leela Bhansali is no different. He first cast her in his superhit movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and then went on to make Devdas and Guzaarish with her.

7. Kajol - Karan Johar



Karan Johar loves Kajol. From Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to My Name is Khan, both of them have established an ideal director-muse relationship. Karan believes Kajol to be his lucky charm and thinks his movies are incomplete without her which is why he went to great lengths to give her appearances -- even if they were a few seconds long -- in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna as well as Student of the Year.