Mahesh Bhatt returns to direction with 'Sadak 2'

Mahesh Bhatt is set to return to direction with "Sadak 2," after a hiatus of 19 years, his daughter, actor Alia Bhatt said on Thursday.

Alia, who is also part of the cast of the film, which is a sequel to Bhatt's 1991 film, made the announcement on her father's 70th birthday.

"On your 70th birthday you have given me the greatest present I could ask and dream for. Your are directing me! 'Sadak 2' is a dream come true..."

"What I thought will never be possible you have made possible. Thank you daddy from the bottom of my heart, soul and bones. This will be a journey of discovery..." the "Raazi" star wrote on Twitter.

This is the first time Bhatt will direct the actor.

Pooja Bhatt and Sanjay Dutt, the original leads, also star in the film, along with new entrant Aditya Roy Kapur.

Bhatt's production house Vishesh Films confirmed the news on the microblogging site.

"27 years ago, a love story won your hearts. A timeless tale. The next chapter begins... @MaheshNBhatt’s #Sadak2 in cinemas 25th March 2020!" the post read.

Pooja welcomed Bhatt back to direction and thanked him for "the gift of 'Sadak 2' and the privilege of being directed by you".

This will be the actor's first film in almost two decades. She was last seen in 2001's "Everybody Says I'm Fine!". Pooja debuted in 1990 with Bhatt's "Daddy" and followed it up with films such as "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin", "Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee" and "Sir", among others.

Sanjay said he was proud to embark on this journey with the director again.

"Thank you for giving me #Sadak bhatt saab. Wish you a very Happy Birthday," he tweeted.

Sanjay and Alia are also working in "Kalank".

The original film was the story of a taxi driver (Sanjay) trying to rescue the woman he loves (Pooja) from a brothel. It also featured Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Maharani, brothel's owner and Soni Razdan.

"Sadak 2" is slated to release on March 25, 2020.