Bollywood is Superficial: Madhur Bhandarkar

In an interview carried out by a leading Indian online news agency, Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar has said that the Indian film industry is superficial and ruthless. Let us read what more he has to say about Bollywood and other issues.

Would you direct a candy-floss film if it came your way?

Yes! Why not? I’m not against candy-floss films but personally, I could not make a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I have travelled on buses, trains, seen the hardships of life and struggled. I have never forgotten the reality of my life. So, there will always be an element of reality in my films. There are a lot of subjects to make a film on, but give me my due that I’m trying to do something new. I’m not taking the easy road. My audience is the middle class, the ones who watch TV, the consumer.

Why are you getting eunuchs to dub for your film Traffic Signal?
To give it a touch of authenticity. My cinema is real and it requires such a treatment. I like challenges and unusual scripts. For that reason, Konkona (Sen Sharma) was also reluctant to play the role of a prostitute because the make-up is garrish and the character is harsh. She kept telling me to cast someone else. I’ve cast Sudhir Mishra as the villain and even he was reluctant to do the role. In the end, they did a very good job.

Why haven’t you used big stars in this film?

Saleability of a film depends on the script today, not on a big star. Also, I think I’ve been lucky so far that my audience comes to see my film because it sells on my name. Bipasha (Basu) came to be known as a performance-oriented actor only after Corporate. I wanted to break her image of being a glamourous actor. My track record has been good. But then, everything in this industry depends on a hit. Today, I’m successful. The moment I have two flops, people will drop me like a hot brick. But I’m ready for that. I know that everything is a phase and so is success. I’ve seen mightier people fall very badly. Bollywood is superficial and ruthless.

Why have you switched loyalties as far as producers go, from Shailendra Singh to Ronnie Screwvala?

I have not done that at all. I am very happy with Shailendra and I’m doing many more films with him. A long time ago, I had committed to Ronnie that I would do a film with him and so, I am doing my next project on the fashion world with him.

How is fatherhood treating you?

It’s a great feeling to see my daughter, Siddhi. She’s changed my life. We’re both Virgos! My wife is visiting her mother right now, so I’m spending about 10 to 15 days in the month with Siddhi, in between my work.

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