When Mahesh Bhatt opened up about his role in Vinod Khanna’s decision to leave his family and career for Osho Commune: ‘He saw me wearing saffron robes’

Two of the most prominent figures in their respective fields, actor Vinod Khanna and director Mahesh Bhatt came together three times: in Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979), Jurm (1990) and Marg (1992). And needless to said, all three films made a significant impact at the box office and audiences.
A man of unusual tastes, Khanna was at the peak of his film career and one of the highest-paid stars when he left his family and successful career in 1975 to become a disciple of spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh. But do you know Bhatt played a role in Khanna’s visit to Osho Commune?
“We kind of started our careers together. Vinod played the villain in Mera Gaon Mera Desh( 1971) and I was the product director of that film. What a awful print he made with his depiction! And also we did Lahoon Do Do which I directed. And also we were together in Rajneesh Ashram, ” Mahesh Bhatt state during a discussion with SpotboyE in 2017.
“ To be honest, I was kind of outfit in Vinod Khanna joining the Osho Commune. He had seen me wearing saffron clothes and expressed his desire to join Rajneesh. I came back a little over 2 years later, but he stayed there. In fact, he followed Rajneesh to America and ended his successful film career. This really shocked everyone; He hit his peak around that time,” he added.
During the interview, Mahesh Bhatt also stated about Vinod Khanna’s return to Bollywood after working with Osho. “The Rajneesh Ashram collapsed after some time and Rajneesh was handcuffed and thrown into jail. The Osho show was over. Vinod returned but could not get the momentum he had in Bollywood. Things had changed in the industry. But we did a film in concert, Jurm,” he said.