Vikram Bhatt Reveals He Almost Died During Jail Stay; Says, “I Got Jaundice, Kept Shivering”

Vikram Bhatt shared his experience of spending 70 days in Udaipur jail, stating that fellow inmates protected him and supported him through a serious illness. The filmmaker opened up about his time behind bars following his arrest related to a dispute over a proposed biopic on the life of Indira Murdia, the late wife of Indira IVF founder Ajay Murdia. Bhatt reflected on the friendships he developed in jail, the health challenges he faced, and how the experience helped him reconnect with “the India that watches our films.”

Vikram Bhatt Reveals He Almost Died In Jail

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Bhatt recounted sharing a barrack with dozens of inmates and forming unexpected bonds during one of the toughest phases of his life. Bhatt explained he was housed with around 60 to 80 inmates and was touched by the warmth and care he received.
“I was staying in a barrack with 60 to 80 people. But I saw a different India there. I discovered what friendship really means. They wouldn’t let me do anything. They would bring me my food and take care of my clothes. They called me Bhishma Pitamah. They would say, ‘Pitamah, just sit here and tell us a horror story.’ Every night, around 60 to 65 people would gather and ask me to narrate stories.”

Vikram On His Cellmates

He also highlighted that kindness extended beyond fellow inmates to prison staff. “Even when my health was bad, the constables and jail authorities were very supportive. People whom you might not expect to be kind were actually the kindest. I made some friends for life because they protected me with their lives. Two people would sleep on either side of me. No one could have harmed me. And I had done nothing for them. What they saw in me and why they cared so much for me, only God knows.”

Bhatt said the experience gave him a rare chance to interact closely with people from backgrounds he would never usually encounter. “When you’re inside with these people, who else are you going to talk to? If you don’t become friends with them, then with whom will you? For me, it was an opportunity to reconnect with an India I had lost touch with. This is the India that watches our films. I got to meet that India again. It was like a refresher course—understanding how they think, what they believe in, and even how they react to ghost stories. These are the people who go to the theatres and watch our movies.”

Bhatt Discusses Health Issues

Bhatt also discussed the severe health issues he faced during his incarceration. He revealed he suffers from axial spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune condition causing joint and muscle pain. “I almost died there in jail. I suffer from an autoimmune condition. I have pain in my joints and muscles, and there you have to sleep on a mat on the floor. It was December and January, and it was extremely cold.”

He further shared that he developed jaundice during his stay and repeatedly asked for medical help.
“I also got jaundice and kept telling the authorities to take me to a hospital. At night, I would get such high fever from the cold that the people in my barrack would give me their blankets. Even then, I would keep shivering. I told the authorities to take me to a hospital. They would say, ‘Tomorrow’ or ‘The day after.’ My cellmates would also tell them I was very ill. But they said they didn’t have enough guards and that security arrangements were needed.”

Believing he wouldn’t get timely treatment, Bhatt chose to rely on a strict diet and prayer. “Then I felt they were never going to take me. So I started doing what I had done earlier when I had jaundice. I stopped eating oily food completely and survived on gram, water, and fruits. Slowly, I began to recover. I prayed a lot and got in touch with my God because of this experience.”

Who Reached Out To Bhatt From B-Town?

Bhatt revealed that several film industry members contacted him after his release. “Mithun da called me up, some people did call me. Sanjay Dutt called me even though I have never worked with him. I thanked him for it.”

When asked if Akshay Kumar had reached out despite working with him on two films, Bhatt responded,
“Why would he call me? He is not my friend.”

Regarding Ajay Devgn, he added, “He called because he is my childhood friend. Every relationship is different. How can you impose such expectations on everyone? It is not logical to expect that.”

Why Was Vikram In Jail?

Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, were arrested in December 2025 over a dispute concerning a proposed biopic on Indira Murdia, the late wife of Indira IVF founder Ajay Murdia. The FIR stated that Murdia met Bhatt in Mumbai in April 2024 to discuss the project, which aimed to chronicle his wife’s life and his work in infertility treatment. The complaint also mentioned a separate historical war film, but differences over financial matters led to legal proceedings. The couple was granted bail in February this year.

Bhatt maintained that the charges against him lacked substance and expressed confidence that the truth would come out. “All I can say is that it is nonsense. They have not been able to prove anything in the chargesheet. It is the most bizarre chargesheet. But the matter is now before the court. Whatever I say today, people will think I am only trying to defend myself. So I would rather let the court defend me. I have faith that the truth will come out.”

Vikram Bhatt’s Projects

On the professional front, Vikram Bhatt is preparing for the release of Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, also known as Haunted 2. Starring Mimoh Chakraborty and Chetna Pande, the horror thriller is set to release on June 12.

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Also Read: Casting Director Parag Chadha ACCUSES Vikram Bhatt Non-Payment Of 1920 Film Amid Bail Rejection In Rs 30 Crore Cheating Case

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.