Parveen Babi needed 'electric shock therapy'

For the world, Parveen was a superstar but for Mahesh she was just his lover; a woman he could not even dream of leaving behind. Their extramarital-love story emerged as the biggest scandals of the 70s. Tabloids were rife with speculations and fuelled by stories revolving around their expected marriage and kids. Their romance was alive with the fire of their love, lust, passion and philosophy of life. 

They were still in the phase of exploring something new about each other when on an unfortunate evening, Parveen was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

There was a phase where she was convinced that Amitabh Bachchan wanted to kill her. Then there was another phase where she felt that their house was bugged. Directors stopped approaching her with new projects and producers started pressurising Mahesh Bhatt to get her 'in order'. Doctors strongly felt that worsening condition could only be stopped with constant 'electric shock therapy'. But Mahesh Bhatt did not let anybody come near her. He protected her from the evil eye of the world. He ran away with Parveen to an ashram so that she could get the comfort and solace she needed there. 

But on their philosopher's insistence he decided to move away from her and let her lead a peaceful life. Though their life story ravaged under societal norms, the rubble of their relationship made them understand the true meaning of life. 

• Parveen Babi
• mahesh bhatt