Seasoned actor Ashwath Bhatt, known for his compelling portrayal of Mehboob Syed in Meghna Gulzar’s critically acclaimed ‘Raazi’, recently found himself in a distressing situation during a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. The actor, who has made his mark in films such as ‘Haider’, ‘Phantom’, ‘Kesari’, and ‘Sita Ramam’, was assaulted by a gang of robbers near the iconic Galata Tower in the Beyoglu district.
Ashwath Bhatt took a short vacation to Turkey, anticipating a break from his busy schedule. However, his trip took a terrifying turn when he was attacked for his belongings. In an interview with ETimes, Ashwath vividly recounted his shocking experience, emphasizing the sudden and violent nature of the attack. “I was walking towards Galata Tower when a man approached me. He had a chain in his hand, and before I could fully comprehend what was happening, he hit me on the back with it. In retrospect, it was likely a gang working in tandem, trying to snatch my bag,” Ashwath shared.
The actor described the assault as a traumatic event, noting his shock and surprise during the encounter. “For a second, I was so shocked – what’s happening? But I think they weren’t expecting me to resist and put up a fight.” His instinctive resistance caught the robbers off-guard, ultimately preventing them from making off with his bag.
Despite his initial resistance, the situation could have taken a much darker turn if not for the intervention of a vigilant cab driver. Noticing the confrontation, the cabbie stopped his vehicle and stepped in, prompting the robbers to flee. The cab driver instructed Ashwath to seek police assistance, pointing out his injuries and the urgency of reporting the crime.
Following the cabbie’s guidance, Ashwath approached a nearby patrol car. The officers directed him to report the assault at a tourist police station, which then referred him to another police station for further action. Reflecting on his ordeal, Ashwath lamented the lack of adequate security in such a renowned tourist destination. “It’s unfortunate that such a thing happened, especially in such a touristy area.
. People often advise not to get involved and not to report to the police. That word ‘unnecessary’ troubles me,” he stated, advocating for the importance of reporting crimes to curb their frequency.
Ashwath highlighted the dangerous romanticization of foreign locales, emphasizing the discrepancy between cinematic portrayals and real-life challenges. “People watch films and think Turkey is all romantic, but if we don’t report crime, these incidents will only increase. Everybody warned me about pickpockets, but this was beyond anything I had imagined.”
The incident not only underscores the perils that even famous personalities can face abroad but also serves as a cautionary tale for tourists. Ashwath’s call to action emphasizes the need for vigilance and the importance of promptly reporting criminal activities to authorities to ensure safer travel experiences for everyone.
Ashwath Bhatt’s acting career is marked by a series of diverse and significant roles. An alumnus of the National School of Drama and a graduate from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Hammersmith, Ashwath has built a reputable career in the film industry. His portrayal of Mehboob Syed in ‘Raazi’ remains one of his most memorable performances. Describing his character during an interview with India Today, Ashwath noted, “Mehboob is very persistent, and that’s the word that was given to me as an initial brief for the character. He is the backbone of the family. Unfortunately, those bits did not make it to the film where you could get to know Mehboob’s backstory.”
Beyond ‘Raazi,’ Ashwath’s filmography includes notable titles like ‘Haider’, where he shared the screen with Shahid Kapoor, and ‘Phantom’, starring alongside Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif. He has also been part of the ensemble cast of ‘Kesari’, another historical drama that received considerable acclaim. More recently, his role in ‘Sita Ramam’ and the action-packed ‘Mission Majnu’ has further solidified his status as a versatile actor.
The unfortunate incident in Istanbul serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of travel and the necessity for preparedness and caution. As Ashwath Bhatt continues to recover from this ordeal, his experience underscores the resilience and fortitude one must possess, whether facing challenges on-screen or in real life.
