Pooja Bhatt shares rare childhood photo with late mother Kiran Bhatt
Synopsis
Pooja Bhatt's throwback post is rare for a reason — her late mother Kiran Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt's first wife, spent her entire life away from the spotlight and passed away in 2003. The black-and-white childhood photograph, shared on Thursday, is one of the few public glimpses of a family chapter that Bollywood's most documented dynasty has kept largely private.
Key Takeaways
Pooja Bhatt shared a rare black-and-white childhood photograph on Thursday featuring her late mother Kiran Bhatt and brother Rahul Bhatt .
Kiran Bhatt , first wife of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt , reportedly passed away in 2003 after prolonged health complications.
The image shows a young Pooja in a checked shirt with braided hair, with Rahul resting in Kiran's arms.
Mahesh Bhatt later married actress Soni Razdan ; together they are parents to Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt .
Pooja Bhatt made her lead debut in 1989 and rose to fame with hits including 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin' opposite Aamir Khan .
Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt shared a rare black-and-white throwback photograph on Thursday morning, offering fans an intimate glimpse into her early family life alongside her late mother Kiran Bhatt and younger brother Rahul Bhatt. The image, posted on her social media account, surfaced as a tender reminder of a chapter of the Bhatt family that largely stayed away from public scrutiny.
What the Photograph Shows
The monochrome frame captures a young Pooja seated beside her mother, dressed in a checked shirt with braided hair, while a little Rahul Bhatt rests comfortably in Kiran Bhatt's arms. The image radiates quiet warmth — a candid family moment preserved in still life, far removed from the glare of Bollywood.
Who Was Kiran Bhatt
Kiran Bhatt was the first wife of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and the mother of both Pooja and Rahul Bhatt. She spent most of her life away from the spotlight, rarely appearing in public or media. Kiran reportedly passed away in 2003 after battling prolonged health complications. Her loss deeply affected the family, and both Pooja and Rahul have spoken about the impact of her passing in several interviews over the years.
Following Kiran's death, Mahesh Bhatt — who had earlier married actress Soni Razdan — went on to raise a second family. Together, Mahesh and Soni are parents to actress Alia Bhatt and author Shaheen Bhatt.
Pooja Bhatt's Career in Brief
Pooja Bhatt emerged as one of the most recognisable faces of 1990s Bollywood. She made her lead debut in her father Mahesh Bhatt's 1989 television film 'Daddy', starring opposite Anupam Kher. She subsequently rose to wide acclaim with the romantic blockbuster 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin' alongside Aamir Khan, one of the defining hits of that decade.
Her filmography also includes 'Sadak', 'Junoon', 'Sir', 'Chaahat', 'Tamanna', 'Zakhm', and the comedy 'Prem Deewane'. Beyond acting, Pooja transitioned into direction and production, helming films such as 'Paap' (starring John Abraham and Udita Goswami), 'Holiday', and 'Kajraare'.
The Significance of the Post
Throwback posts from film families often attract significant attention, but this one carries particular emotional weight given how little is publicly known about Kiran Bhatt. For fans who grew up watching Pooja on screen in the nineties, the image offers a rare, humanising window into the private world behind a very public family. The post is a reminder that behind the Bhatt family's prolific cinematic legacy lies a personal story marked equally by loss and resilience.
Point of View
The woman at the origin of that story, remains almost entirely absent from its public record. Pooja's decision to share this image is quietly significant: it surfaces a maternal presence that industry narratives have largely written around. In an era where celebrity social media is curated for reach, a post with no promotional hook and only emotional honesty stands out. It also underscores how grief and family complexity in public figures often outlast the headlines that briefly covered them.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pooja Bhatt share on social media?
Pooja Bhatt shared a rare black-and-white childhood photograph on Thursday featuring herself as a young girl, her late mother Kiran Bhatt, and her younger brother Rahul Bhatt. The image captures a quiet family moment from their early years.
How is Alia Bhatt related to Pooja Bhatt?
Alia Bhatt is Pooja Bhatt's half-sister. Both share the same father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Alia and author Shaheen Bhatt were born to Mahesh Bhatt and his second wife, actress Soni Razdan.
What are some of Pooja Bhatt's most notable films?
Pooja Bhatt is best known for 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin' opposite Aamir Khan, as well as 'Sadak', 'Chaahat', 'Zakhm', and 'Tamanna'. She also moved into direction and production, helming films such as 'Paap', 'Holiday', and 'Kajraare'.
When did Pooja Bhatt make her acting debut?
Pooja Bhatt made her debut as a lead actress in the 1989 television film 'Daddy', directed by her father Mahesh Bhatt, where she starred opposite Anupam Kher.
