DNA (June 2, 2014)

During the making of Ghulam, Aamir Khan objected to a totally detached Mahesh Bhatt retiring to a corner of the set with a novel and asking his nephew Vikram Bhatt to direct the film. After the first few days, Aamir walked up to Mahesh and said, “If Vikram is going to direct the film, you should withdraw your name and designate him as director.” A stunned Mahesh retorted, “That’s for me to decide, I am the producer of the film.” Aamir was equally defiant. “But it’s not acceptable to me,” he said. “You can’t take credit for a film directed by someone else. If you have a problem designating Vikram, who is actually doing the job as the director, I’ll walk out of the film.” Mahesh was livid. “How can you quit the film at this stage? Who will pay for scrapping the portions already shot with you?” he countered. “I will. Send me a bill, you’ll get a cheque,” said Aamir without batting an eyelid and walked away. An upset Mahesh had a quick meeting with his brother and partner Mukesh Bhatt and decided to take a sensible way out. He stepped down and let Vikram Bhatt take over as the director of Ghulam.