Mahesh Bhatt father of three daughters - Pooja Bhatt, Shaheen Bhatt and Alia Bhatt - and son - Rahul Bhatt - turned 71 today. The filmmaker, known for crafting meaningful cinemas such as Arth, Saraansh, Sadak, Naam, Kaash and Daddy, has daughter Pooja and son Rahul with his first wife Kiran Bhatt (real name Lorraine Bright). Later he married actress Soni Razdan and they have two daughters - Shaheen and Alia - together. On his birthday, we take a look at some of the most candid pics of Bhatt Saab with his daughters.

Mahesh Bhatt has time and again proven that he is a loving father to all his children.

In picture: A very young Pooja Bhatt with father Mahesh Bhatt.

Mahesh Bhatt has been one of the best filmmakers of his time and inspired generations with his movie-making skills, but the director, who now produces films with new talent, says his three daughters - Pooja, Shaheen and Alia - are far more intelligent and practical than him.

In picture: Shaheen Bhatt all cuddled up in her father's arms.

Mahesh Bhatt had told mid-day, in an old interview, saying, 'All three of them make me very proud. I have no problem in telling them that they are far more intelligent than I am and I also take instructions from them.'

In picture: Candid moment! Mahesh Bhatt having a conversation with his daughter Pooja Bhatt.

Sharing his joy of being a proud father of three successful girl children, Mahesh Bhatt said that all of them have achieved something in their lives and that too without any help.

In picture: Alia Bhatt, Shaheen Bhatt with father Mahesh Bhatt.

Mahesh Bhatt had several rocky relationships, but he has always been a good father to children Pooja, Alia, Rahul and Shaheen.

In picture: Alia Bhatt with Mahesh Bhatt.

Mahesh Bhatt was married to Lorraine Bright who changed her name to Kiran Bhatt and has two children with her Pooja Bhatt and Rahul Bhatt. However, the couple divorced later.

In picture: Shaheen Bhatt with Mahesh Bhatt.

Even though Mahesh Bhatt's relationship with Kiran Bhatt didn't work out, his bond with his children - Pooja Bhatt and Rahul Bhatt never faded. In fact, it has only become stronger, over the years.

In picture: Pooja Bhatt with Mahesh Bhatt.

Mahesh Bhatt divorced Kiran Bhatt and married actress Soni Razdan and through this marriage, he has two daughters - Alia and Shaheen. Shaheen Bhatt, Bhatt's eldest daughter with Soni isn't a part of Bollywood but has a keen interest in production.

Mahesh Bhatt has been vocal about his love and support for his daughters.

In picture: Little Alia Bhatt in her father's arms

'Alia is a star and she has added to my ageing stardom. I have been a star and man of public figure of a kind, but India is a young country and most of the Indians, who consume entertainment products, are under 25. Alia is undoubtedly one of the tallest icon in that space,' said a proud father Mahesh Bhatt, in an interview with mid-day.

'Pooja is an example of how a girl child can sparkle and be completely self-sufficient. Shaheen is a brilliant writer and unique child,' Mahesh Bhatt told mid-day.

Talking about what kind of advice he and his family constantly gives to Alia Bhatt, who is one of the A-listers in Bollywood, Bhatt said, 'One thing that we have collectively succeeded in advising her as a family is 'you may have achieved tremendous achievements today but you have only scratched the surface and have miles to go'. Because I feel the worst enemy of any person in any business is the delusion when he or she feels that I am the god's gift to mankind. She is good but there is always somebody far more brilliant than her. She should keep her eyes open to see that.'

Alia Bhatt had even told mid-day that if there was to be a movie on Bhatts, it would be a great story. 'We three sisters - me, Shaheen, Pooja - are very dynamic and completely different personalities, so when combined together, it would be very interesting. The genre of the movie would be a dramedy,' said Alia in the interview.

The Bhatt family believes in expressing themselves uninhibitedly. Alia Bhatt said, 'We talk very loudly, we are expressive and opinionated. If we are having a conversation, it will go through many tones - happiness, laughter. The conversation goes up and down and so in that sense, we are completely schizophrenic. But at the same time, we are very supportive of each other and passionate too. If anyone has a problem, the other person will immediately land to help.'

Mahesh Bhatt's second wife Soni Razdan is also cordial with stepchildren - Pooja Bhatt and Rahul Bhatt. While Pooja Bhatt is an actress and filmmaker, Alia Bhatt is a leading actress today, Rahul, unfortunately, has gotten involved in controversies while Shaheen prefers to stay away from the limelight.

Mahesh Bhatt had worked with his daughters Pooja Bhatt and Alia Bhatt in Sadak 2. The 71-year-old director, who also helmed the original film (Sadak - starring Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt), returned to the director's chair after almost two decades with the follow-up. However, the  film tanked at the box office

We wish Mahesh Bhatt a very happy birthday and all the very best as he picks the directorial baton after a long time with Sadak 2.