Hindi filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, renowned for his influential movies, worked with actor Mushtaq Khan in several projects. However, their professional relationship began on a challenging note, as Mushtaq recently recalled on the Savita Aseem Podcast. In the 1980s, Mushtaq found it difficult to even secure a meeting with Bhatt due to his busy schedule and lack of a telephone. Eventually, Salim Khan recommended Mushtak for a role in 'Naam' (1986), which led to their initial encounter. Despite Bhatt acknowledging the recommendation, he did not have a suitable part for Mushtaq in Naam. The actor waited for two weeks without a telephone before receiving a call that ultimately landed him his first film with the filmmaker, 'Kabzaa' (1988). Mushtaq's performance in the film impressed Bhatt, leading to further collaborations on films such as 'Aashiqui' (1990), 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin' (1991), and 'Sadak' (1991). Bhatt was known for his keen eye for performance and attention to an actor's body language, which helped extend their professional association.