Mahesh Bhatt’s son, Rahul Bhatt, who gained widespread notoriety in 2009 after it was alleged that he had unknowingly befriended David Headley — one of the accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks — has largely remained away from the spotlight since. But in a new interview with Hindi Rush, the actor and fitness trainer has opened up about the long-lasting trauma that followed the case, which he says “destroyed” his public image and sense of self. He also admitted to being arrested seven times, but said that he has never been convicted.
Calling it “the most devastating trauma,” Rahul said he never let his emotional struggle show but was constantly battling its effects internally. “I was the one who suffered the most… my identity was butchered… my character was assassinated… for what, for nothing. I didn’t do anything… and if I had, I have enough courage to accept my crime and go to the gallows… I’m a man, I’d have taken it on the chin… but I didn’t do anything, and still I was made to go through all of it. I remember everything to this day,” he said.
Rahul also revealed that, even years later, he continues to receive abusive messages and hate online. “It hurts, when you’re called a traitor, when you have done nothing… It hurts… You start distrusting human beings.” In a bid to clear the air, Rahul said he had even joined Bigg Boss at one point. “I said let me go there and in a non-glamorous way, give my clarification.” He clarified that investigative agencies had treated him fairly and never considered him a suspect. Instead, he believes it was the media’s selective outrage that subjected him to an unjust public trial.
“Everything has been out, I was never the accused, I was a witness… from day one… agar kuch hota hai toh main yahan baitha hota? It was a big case… they would have shut me if anything was true (Everything is out there, I was never the accused, I was always a witness from day one. If there had been anything, would I be sitting here today? It was a big case — they would’ve taken action if anything had even remotely been true.”
He credits his survival to “the truth and the good karma of his mother” but admits the entire episode has left him paranoid and emotionally guarded. Years later, Rahul says he still struggles to form or trust in new relationships, as the scars from the incident continue to linger.
