Mumbai : Renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt paid heartfelt tribute to his mentor Raj Khosla on the occasion of the legendary director’s birth centenary, calling him one of the most underrated yet passionate storytellers in the history of Hindi cinema.

Speaking about Khosla’s quiet legacy, Bhatt recalled the late filmmaker as a deeply committed artist who never sought public applause or validation. “Raj Khosla is not one of the sparkling icons in the pantheon of the greats of the Indian film industry,” Bhatt said. “But that was because he had so brilliantly said once to me, when I was still his assistant, ‘I love movies, I love the film industry.’ That was his only reason to exist in this space — pure love.”

Khosla, whose filmography includes classics like CID, Woh Kaun Thi?, Mera Saaya, and Do Badan, was known for seamlessly blending genres, from suspense thrillers to romantic dramas, often with strong female leads and unforgettable music. Despite his wide-ranging influence and distinct cinematic voice, he never received the kind of widespread acclaim his contemporaries enjoyed.

Bhatt emphasized that Khosla’s humility and introverted nature contributed to his under-recognized legacy. “He was unsung, not because he lacked greatness, but because he never demanded to be sung about,” Bhatt noted.

As the industry marks Khosla’s 100th birth anniversary, Bhatt’s tribute serves as a reminder of the filmmaker’s enduring contributions to Indian cinema — a quiet genius whose work continues to inspire, even if history has not always given him his due spotlight.