Muzammil Ibrahim Reveals He Faced Depression and Nightmares Due to Pooja Bhatt’s Abusive Behavior on 'Dhokha' Set

Actor and model Muzammil Ibrahim has made shocking revelations about his traumatic experience while shooting for the 2007 film Dhokha, which was directed by Pooja Bhatt. In a recent interview, Muzammil disclosed that the director's allegedly abusive behavior on set severely affected his mental health, leading to depression and recurring nightmares. His claims have brought attention to the emotional toll actors can suffer behind the scenes, even while appearing successful on screen.

According to Muzammil, he was very young and new to the film industry when he was cast as the lead in Dhokha. What should have been a breakthrough opportunity turned into a psychologically exhausting experience. The actor revealed that Pooja Bhatt would often insult and humiliate him during the shoot. Her unpredictable and aggressive behavior reportedly created a toxic environment that left him emotionally drained and fearful.

He also added that Mahesh Bhatt, the producer of the film and Pooja's father, was aware of the situation. Muzammil recalled that Mahesh Bhatt would frequently ask Pooja not to behave in such a manner, but his words rarely had a lasting effect. Once Mahesh Bhatt left the set, Pooja would allegedly revert to the same treatment, worsening the mental stress for Muzammil.

The actor admitted that the trauma affected his confidence, and even after the film’s release, he continued to struggle with anxiety and disturbing dreams. Despite receiving positive attention for his performance, the behind-the-scenes turmoil overshadowed any sense of accomplishment. Muzammil also alleged that Pooja Bhatt made disparaging remarks about him in the media after the film's release, further alienating him from the industry.

This painful experience led Muzammil to reject future offers from the Bhatt camp. He shared that he turned down a role in Raaz 2 because he was too afraid to work with the same team again. The fear and stress left such a deep scar that he chose to stay away from major Bollywood productions for a long time.

Muzammil’s revelations are a sobering reminder of how power dynamics and toxic workplace behavior in the film industry can destroy mental peace. While the glamour of cinema often hides the harsh realities faced by those behind the scenes, testimonies like Muzammil's highlight the need for safer, more respectful work environments in the entertainment world.

His candidness has sparked a wave of support online, with fans and colleagues praising him for speaking up about his struggles. As conversations around mental health and abuse gain momentum in the film industry, Muzammil Ibrahim’s story adds a critical voice to the larger dialogue of accountability and emotional well-being.