Vikram Bhatt Opens Up on 70 Days in Udaipur Jail: "I Almost Died There"

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has opened up about the 70 days he spent in jail following his arrest in December 2025 in connection with a dispute over a proposed biopic on the life of Indira Murdia. Speaking in a recent interview, Bhatt described the period as one of the most difficult phases of his life but said it also changed his perspective on people and society. He recalled sharing a barrack with dozens of inmates and forming unexpected friendships during his incarceration.

According to Bhatt, fellow prisoners treated him with respect and affection despite having no prior connection with him. He said inmates often brought him food, helped with daily chores, and gathered around him at night to listen to horror stories. Bhatt revealed that many prisoners referred to him as “Bhishma Pitamah” and ensured that he remained safe throughout his stay. He added that the kindness shown by inmates and prison staff left a lasting impact on him.

The filmmaker also spoke about serious health challenges he faced behind bars. Bhatt revealed that he suffers from axial spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes severe pain in joints and muscles. Sleeping on a mat during the cold winter months reportedly worsened his condition. He further said that he developed jaundice while in prison and struggled to receive timely medical treatment despite repeatedly requesting hospital care.

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Unable to secure immediate treatment, Bhatt said he relied on strict dietary changes and faith to recover. He survived mainly on grain,, fruits, and water while avoiding oily food completely. The filmmaker stated that the experience strengthened his spiritual beliefs and helped him reconnect with faith during a period of physical suffering. He described the prison experience as emotionally transformative despite the hardships he endured.

Bhatt also revealed that several members of the film industry reached out to support him after his release, including Mithun Chakraborty and Sanjay Dutt. The filmmaker and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, were granted bail in February 2026. Maintaining that the allegations against him are baseless, Bhatt said he has faith in the judicial process and believes the truth will eventually emerge. Meanwhile, he is preparing for the release of his upcoming horror film, Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, scheduled to hit theaters on June 12.

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