Vikram Bhatt Recounts Dating Sushmita Sen During Difficult Days, 'Was Broke, Lived Life Like Fakira'

Vikram Bhatt is one of the most renowned filmmakers in Indian cinema. However, he too had many challenging periods in his life and career. Recently, he opened up about the struggles he faced during his early years in the film industry, including the difficult time when he was dating Sushmita Sen. 

Vikram Bhatt opens up about his relationship with Sushmita Sen

During a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Vikram Bhatt spoke about the time that he was trying to establish himself in his career while also trying to navigate his personal relationships. He recalled his relationship with Sushmita Sen and spoke about what the circumstances were like during that period. For those unaware, Vikram and Sushmita grew close back in 1996, during the filming of Dastak. Yes, this was the same film that introduced Sushmita to the audiences as an actress and marked her film debut. Meanwhile, Vikram was working on the project alongside Mahesh Bhatt. Remembering those days, Vikram confessed that even everyday expenses became too difficult for him to manage sometimes. He said:

“I was a struggling director. Mere pas zeher khane ke paise nahi the. I was directing Aamir Khan and dating Miss Universe, so to say, but I had no money. I was broke. I remember I didn't even have the money to buy a CD. I've lived life like a fakira.”  

Vikram Bhatt's remarks bring back Lalit Modi's comments on Sushmita Sen 

It is worth noting that with Vikram Bhatt's recent comments on his relationship with Sushmita Sen, it has brought back earlier conversations involving businessman, Lalit Modi and his remarks on the actress. Lalit had also spoken publicly about the criticism he had faced when he got into a relationship with Sushmita in 2022. At the time, many people began questioning the nature of their relationship. However, Lalit made sure to dismiss those claims and maintained that Sushmita was financially independent. He suggested that Sushmita used to handle her own expenses and did not depend on others financially. He was quoted as saying:

“There wasn't a time I went out with Sushmita that I had to pay for anything. She paid for everything. I was like a kept boyfriend. She was truly a diamond. It was never about anything else. She can buy anything she wants, do anything she wants, without a doubt.” 

Vikram Bhatt's past relationships 

After Vikram Bhatt's relationship with Sushmita Sen ended, he went on to date actor, Amita Patel. The two had met while working together on Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage and were in a relationship from 2002 to 2007. Well, although his relationships did not last, the same cannot be said for his films, as they have continued to be remembered by audiences. 

It is worth mentioning that Vikram's comments come just a few months after he and his wife, art curator, Shwetambari Soni, had found themselves in the midst of legal controversy. The couple had been arrested at the end of last year, in December 2025, after allegations of cheating and criminal breach of trust linked to a film project. In January 2026, the Rajasthan High Court did not grant bail to the couple. However, in the following month, the Supreme Court decided to intervene and grant them bail. After his release, Vikram had revealed that several actors had reached out to him, including Mithun Chakraborty and Sanjay Dutt. He said:

“Mithun Da called me. Sanjay Dutt called me even though I have never worked with him. I thanked him for it.” 

What are your thoughts on Vikram Bhatt opening up about his relationship with Sushmita Sen during his early days in the film industry? Let us know. 

Also read: 'Kala Mahina Tha...' Sourav Joshi Breaks Silence On Divorce Claims With Avantika Within 7 Months

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