‘Friendship in Bollywood is superficial’
Film-maker Madhur Bhandarkar says he didn’t receive much support from the industry when his films got into trouble
Film-maker Madhur Bhandarkar has worked in Bollywood over the past 10 years with many big names. However, the 49-year-old has said that he has no real friends in the industry. Madhur expressed the sentiment again when he didn’t get much support when his recent film, Indu Sarkar, landed in trouble.
“In Bollywood, equations change very fast. People who are friends today may turn against each other in no time. Relationships are superficial and need-based, and when you realise this, it hurts. When my film was facing protests, (during the film’s press conferences in Pune and Nagpur), nobody stood beside me. They didn’t want to get into anything political. It was disappointing. People I had supported earlier weren’t there for me. That’s why I stay away from camps,” he says.
However, the film-maker is happy with the response the film has garnered. “We received mixed reactions. I know that whenever people will talk about the emergency, Indu Sarkar will be watched and referred to. I make films for the future. Also, I’m a budget film-maker, and we have almost recovered the money invested. It was made for a mature audience and they have enjoyed it. From politicians to journalists, everyone liked it,” he adds.
Madhur believes himself to be a storyteller more than a film-maker. “I tell gripping narratives. There is nothing that can stop me from doing those kind of films. I remember when my debut Trishakti (1999) released, my professional obituary was written. But I am a fighter, who made a comeback, and made films such as Chandni Bar (2001), Satta (2003), Page 3 (2005), and Fashion (2008) among others. The prestigious awards — National Award and Padma Shri — that I have received prove my never-saydie spirit,” he says.
I remember, when my debut Trishakti (1999) released, my professional obituary was written. But I am a fighter and I made a comeback. MADHUR BHANDARKAR, FILM-MAKER