Madhur's Page 3 left out

Page

sheetal

@sheetald

Rocker

Posted: 20 years ago

Clueless Madhur

Madhur Bhandarkar

According to a source, "Bhandarkar was flabbergasted when he first heard that Page 3 was not being considered by Screen. It was very difficult for him to believe that this had happened."

hitList contacted Bhandarkar who first refused to say anything on the matter. Finally, he mustered this up, "I have no clue about the parameters and criteria of selection at the Screen Awards."

Bag of nominations

Page 3 has received 4 nominations at the forthcoming Apsara Awards — Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Film. While it has not received a nomination for Best Screenplay, it has three more nominations (making it six in all)

for the Best Supporting Actress, Best Lyrics Writer and Best Music Director in the forthcoming Stardust Awards. Some time back, Page 3 bagged the National Award for the Best Film.

Industry reactions to the Page 3 cold-shoulder

Mahesh Bhatt: I don't give importance to awards. But for those who believe that awards give national recognition, I believe that the cold shoulder given to Page 3 has come as a surprise. Think of it, there are always vested interests and biases, which colour the
opinion of the jury.

Vipul Shah: If one has participated, one should respect the decision. Else it's a case of khela, haara, aur bola cheating huyi hai. That way, I think Bunty aur Babli, Waqt and Salaam Namaste also should have made it. But as an individual, yes, I am surprised that Page 3 is not in the running.

Kalpana Lajmi: I am not surprised that Page 3 has not been chosen. I personally feel that the films, which have been selected, are superior than Page 3. Plus, these things are bound to happen. Frankly, what is good, better and best is purely subjective.

Films nominated for Best Film
Black,
Hazaron Khwaishen Aisi, Yahaan,
Sarkar