My films have always been denied popular awards: Bhandarkar

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Madhur Bhandarkar, who has been nominated in the best director category for 'Fashion' in the International Indian Film Academy awards 2009, is wondering why the film itself is missing from the best picture list.

'They've done this to me before. My films have been denied popular awards right from 'Chandni Bar'. So I'm neither hurt nor amused. I just wonder what it means,' Bhandarkar, who made critically acclaimed films like 'Page 3' and 'Corporate', told IANS.

All the other directors, who are nominated in the best director category, have their films in the best picture category.

'If I'm one of the best directors of the year, isn't my product automatically among the best films? But I'm sure they've their own rationale and I'm the last person to question it. Right now I'm too drained out shooting 'Jail' in the heat of Karjat,' said Bhandarkar.

'Jail', starring Neil Nitin Mukesh in lead role, is being shot in the sun and members of the unit are suffering from dehydration.

'We've a doctor on standby throughout the shooting. Anyone can suffer from sunstroke or dehydration any time. And after all this effort 'Jail' too may be snubbed at the popular awards. But I'm not complaining. I've the audience and critics with me. And my films get the National Award. To me, that's the highest honour. I just hope Neil gets the National Award for 'Jail'. The rest will be a bonus.'

IIFA nomination list: