My films are not judgemental, says Bhandarkar

Madhur Bhandarkar has invited the wrath of the industries, whose underbelly he tried to unravel through films like "Chandni Bar", "Page 3" and "Fashion", but he is unfazed.

"After 'Chandni Bar' released, bar owners were against me. People would meet me at traffic signals and say that what I showed about them (in 'Traffic Signal') was too much. Corporate world wanted to crucify me, and same goes with the fashion and Page 3 world. My films are not judgemental; in fact they are mirror to the society," Madhur told an Oye 104.8 FM radio host.

The filmmaker won National Awards for "Chandni Bar" (2001), "Page 3" (2005) and "Traffic Signal". His latest film "Heroine", starring Kareena Kapoor, uncovers the ups and downs in the life of a Hindi film actress.

The movie, which has reportedly minted Rs.50 crore worldwide since its release Sep 21, opened to mixed reviews.

Bhandarkar says he will continue to make his kind of cinema.

"Critics can say whatever they like, I belong to 'lawaaris' camp. I have my own cinema, and there is an audience which appreciates my films and that's all that matters to me," said the 44-year-old, who made his directorial debut with "Trishakti" in 1999.

"After my directorial debut in 'Trishakti', I have seen the humiliation. Nobody supported me. I have seen the industry very closely. If you are popular, then people will flock you and if you are not, then same people will go to someone else," he added.

But life in showbiz is tough, he said, adding: "Even if I go to hospital or I talk to a bank, then rumour mill goes in overdrive saying that I am making a film on them, I can't have a normal chat with anyone".