Mumbai, July 10 (IANS): Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt gave actresses like Sushmita Sen, Kangana Ranawat and Mallika Sherawat their first big break in the Hindi film industry, but they never worked with him after their first films. The filmmaker is not complaining because he doesn't expect them to continue to work with him out of gratitude.

If Sushmtia got her first break with Bhatt's 1996 directorial venture "Dastak" after winning the Miss Universe crown, Mallika and Kangana made their Bollywood debuts with his production ventures "Murder" (2004) and "Gangster - A Love Story" (2006) respectively.

"They were never mine who left me. They came to make their career and went ahead through me. I was never their destiny. It's a planet Bollywood. I don't expect any gratitude," Bhatt, who doesn't direct movies anymore but just produces them, told IANS.

"I don't let anyone stand in front of me if he or she doesn't have the potential. So I don't expect them to be grateful and come and work with me," he added.

Known for directing critically acclaimed films like "Arth" (1982), "Saaransh" (1984) "Naam" (1986), "Daddy" (1989), "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin" (1991), "Sadak" (1991), "Naajayaz" (1995) and "Zakhm"(1998), the 62-year-old will continue making films with fresh talent.

"I have not retired but have said no to direction. Direction is part of life not the entire life. I have sung my song. I have done more than 50 films. How many more? You know every hero becomes a bore, every filmmaker has time, frame when he sings the song then he becomes repetitive. Before people say get out, you should yourself stand up and leave the auditorium

"I have the desire to make feature films and I am enjoying what I am doing now. I like creating people, pushing them, find the potential. If they excel, the film will excel," said Bhatt.