Chandigarh holds sentimental value for me: Madhur Bhandarkar - Hindustan Times
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Chandigarh holds sentimental value for me: Madhur Bhandarkar

Hindustan Times | By, Chandigarh
May 18, 2016 05:48 PM IST

After having created a niche for himself with strong women-centric films such as Fashion, Heroine, Chandini Bar, Page 3 and Corporate, Madhur Bhandarkar is all geared up to make a comeback with five muses in yet another film depicting the harsh realities of the glamour business. In Chandigarh for a college function and to promote his upcoming film on Monday, HT speaks to the daring director and scriptwriter, who said Chandigarh holds a sentimental value in his life.

After having created a niche for himself with strong women-centric films such as Fashion, Heroine, Chandini Bar, Page 3 and Corporate, Madhur Bhandarkar is all geared up to make a comeback with five muses in yet another film depicting the harsh realities of the glamour business. In Chandigarh for a college function and to promote his upcoming film on Monday, HT speaks to the daring director and scriptwriter, who said Chandigarh holds a sentimental value in his life.

Filmmaker-Madhur-Bhandarkar-poses-for-a-photograph-during-a-visit-to-the-Golden-tTmple-in-Amritsar-on-January-10-AFP-Photo
Filmmaker-Madhur-Bhandarkar-poses-for-a-photograph-during-a-visit-to-the-Golden-tTmple-in-Amritsar-on-January-10-AFP-Photo

Q: What makes you make films which always revolve around strong women characters?

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Ans: I think it comes naturally to me as it lies in my comfort zone. Many at times, I’ve been asked as to why I never made the films with a male lead hero, say a Hero instead of Heroine or why not a male model in Fashion and so on and so forth. But, I think it becomes more empathetic when you imagine a woman play that part and to be honest, I had always seen the same. So, it lies in my comfort zone. I have been told I understand women pysche like no one else (laughs)!

Q: Your films symbolise struggle and the dark side of the showbiz and the glamour industry for which you have received a lot of flak from some of your friends in the industry. Does that ever bother you or change the way you take your decisions?

Ans: Yes, it’s a fact well known (laughs) I guess when one enters this world of filmmaking, one has to be mentally prepared or become strong to deal with the ups and downs. I don’t get affected by what I am told that easily.

I am here to make films of topics that genuinely hold interest. Besides, I feel if we can make films on everything else than why this aspect of glamour world shouldn’t be shown on celluloid!

Gossip magazines have written enough things about me in this aspect but it doesn’t affect me as I will continue to make films in thinks I believe should be shown, without fear.

Q: Considering you’ve usually made films with bigger stars like Priyanka and Kareena, was there a reason you chose to make your next with new comers?

Ans: Yes, it was a conscious call as I don’t necessarily believe in taking big stars. It is about the subject. Or else why would I take Konkana Sen Sharma in Page 3.

I go by the requirement of the script. That’s it. Besides, it was also about taking a risk when making a film on a daring topic as my upcoming film so I had to keep the budget in mind this time. I’m a producer’s director.

Q: So, besides film, will we see Madhur Bhandarkar make films on other daring topics? Say, on gay relationships?

Ans: Yes, of course. If I find a story I am all for as I am all for breaking the norms. Not only gay, why not a film on lesbians, as long as it depicts the reality. That is a pattern you must have noticed in my films.

Q: You were quoted saying that you are fascinated even by Indrani Mukerjea’s story?

Ans: Oh yes, very fascinated and it plays on my mind and maybe once the verdict is out and conclusion is drawn, I might actually just consider making a film on these lines. Only a thought, so far.

Q: So, what next?

Ans: I have a thriller at the same a romantic script in mind. Let’s see what materialises.

Q: Lastly, what is more important out of the two for you: critical acclaim or commercial success?

Ans: Both, most definitely.

Ques: What makes you always come to Chandigarh again and again to promote your films? Is a film shooting on the lines somewhere here too?

Ans: Like I said, Chandigarh as a city has an emotional value for me as my films have been received very well here. Besides, I love the city’s architecture, the food and just the vibe. And if I find a story, I would love to shoot in Chandigarh

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