Curiosity about 'Fashion' scares Bhandarkar

Mumbai, Feb 7 (IANS) Too much attention is worrying Madhur Bhandarkar and UTV. Whether they like it or not, every move, manoeuvre, pirouette and pout on the sets of ramp romp titled 'Fashion' is being religiously reported back to them.

Reluctant to speak, Bhandarkar told IANS: 'We're all getting worried about the constant attention being given to 'Fashion'. I admit it's the most glamorous film I've made. But I still find the curiosity about what we're doing a little unhealthy and scary.'

Bhandarkar has roped in Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut for female leads and Samir Soni and Harsh Chhaya will be seen as gay designers in it. All members of the cast and crew who regularly attend the shooting have signed a written contract swearing secrecy.

So protective and apprehensive are they about a breach of confidentiality that the primary members of the cast have gone almost underground.

'If you thought Yash Raj Films is protective about the details regarding its films, then you've to see what levels of secrecy are being exercised for 'Fashion',' said a prominent member of the 'Fashion' team.

'All of us are virtually on tenterhooks trying to keep the characters, scenes and situations under wraps. But the more we try, the more it seems people outside are trying to know what we're up to.'

Earlier this week when Neil Mathur dropped in to meet Bhandarkar on the sets of 'Fashion', there was widespread speculation that Neil has been signed for a role in the film. In fact, the actor had dropped in for a casual chat.

The last straw was the reporting of Kangana's wardrobe-malfunction sequence last week. The actress, who is currently completely immersed in her role, freaked out when news of the scene was reported the morning after it was shot.

Security is further being tightened on the sets of 'Fashion', as there's a fear on the sets that someone or some people are planning a quickie to beat 'Fashion' to the theatres.

'We can't understand how our scenes are leaking out. The security is so tight even I am frisked every morning before entering the sets. We aren't insecure about others making fashion-related films. I'll shoot at my own pace and wrap up the film by May. But the curiosity about what I'm making is more alarming than flattering,' said Bhandarkar.