Mahesh Bhatt, daughter Pooja stage 'Daddy' play

New Delhi:  Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt showcased a play based on his 1989 classic 'Daddy' which also marked the beginning of his daughter Pooja Bhatt's acting career.

"Post the success of Arth's theatrical version, I thought that 'Daddy', too, was a kind of movie that could be brilliantly adapted for the stage. It has the same raw human emotions and naked truths  about life and hence can have a similar kind of impact," Bhatt said.

The play, premiered here with Imran Zahid playing the protagonist that was portrayed by Anupam Kher in the movie. "I think Imran has the discipline and the consistency required to take up projects and deliver quality stuff. Not everyone has the tenacity to take an idea from inception to its finishing point," Bhatt said.

Zahid has also played the lead role in the stage adaption of another Bhatt classic "Arth". "This role is very special for me. Bhatt sahab has left direction but to portray a character from one of his classics fills me with nostalgia. Its a dream come true," the actor said.

Pooja Bhatt was also present in the audience during the play. "Daddy was my debut film and I remember that Bhatt saab had asked me if I'd like to be known as an actor or a star, as he wanted to offer me a film that would be mention in my obituary," the actress said.

"I'm glad that Daddy touched the lives of many people. The issue is relevant today even today and I hope this adaption is will be a success," she added.

The film and the play captures the story of a girl named Pooja who has no recollection of her mother and father and is being told that her father had passed away. Eventually, however,she meets his father and helps him overcome alcoholism.

The actor who originally played the father, Anupam Kher said, "It's good that the audience will get a chance to witness the movie and its emotions live on stage. I always admire Bhatt saab for his Ingenuity."

"When plays can inspire movies, why can't a movie inspire a play," he said. The play has been directed by theatre director-writer Danish Iqbal, who believes that at a time when, people are moving towards film industry from theatre, it is a good sign that a renowned director like Bhatt is giving importance to the stage.

The theatre adaption has been done by Rajesh Kumar who has previously worked on projects like "The Last Salute" and "Trial of Errors".