India, July 2 -- In a long and storied career, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has directed a staggering 47 films. But all of them, barring one, came in the 20th century. His most prolific period was the 90s, when he directed 30 films in 10 years, including cult classics like Zakhm and Sir, as well as hits such as Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Sadak. But 1999 was when he retired, taking a back seat to focus on producing films. When he returned with Sadak 2 in 2020, many had hoped the veteran was primed for a comeback. But in a candid chat with HT, the 77-year-old rules out any possibility of a return to the director's chair.

Mahesh Bhatt began his career as a director with Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain in 1974, but it wasn't until the 80s that he broke thro...