‘Friendship in Bollywood is superficial’
Madhur Bhandarkar says he didn’t receive much support from the industry when his films got into trouble
Filmmaker Madhur
Bhandarkar (left) has been in Bollywood for 10 years and has worked with some of the biggest names. However, the 49-yearold has always expressed that he has no real friends in the industry. This realisation dawned on Madhur again when he didn’t get much support for his recently released film, Indu Sarkar that 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 conference 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 filmmaker is happy with the response the film has garnered. “We received mixed reactions. I know whenever people will talk about the emergency, Indu Sarkar will be viewed and referred to. I make films for future. Also, I’m a budget filmmaker and we have almost recovered the money. The film was made for a mature audience and they have enjoyed it. From politicians to journalists everyone liked it,” he adds.
More than a filmmaker, Madhur believes himself to be a story teller. “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), Fashion (2008) among others. The prestigious awards — National Award and Padma Shri — which I received prove my never dying spirit,” he says with pride.
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, FILMMAKER