Drug abuse is part of Hollywood's heritage: Mahesh Bhatt

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, saddened by legendary singer Whitney Houston's demise, says the pressure of fame leads Hollywood celebrities to drugs. "The pressure of stardom cries out for relief. The taste of success cries out for celebration. Drug abuse is a part of Hollywood's heritage," the 63-year-old filmmaker posted on Twitter.

Houston, 48, whose career was torn apart by drug abuse and personal problems, was found dead at a Los Angeles hotel hours before her scheduled appearance at a pre-Grammys dinner. A number of celebs, including Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson, have fallen victim to drug abuse. Bhatt said that such problems are also available in Bollywood. "Even here in Bollywood it is all available. It's whether you want to take part in it or not. It's all there. Anyone who says it isn't is wrong."

On the professional front, Mahesh Bhatt's next movie Blood Money, which is a coming of age tale, where a young man pursues a dream job but it turns into a nightmare, will hit the screens on March 30. The film produced by Vishesh Films and Viacom 18 Motions Picture stars Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri in the leads.