In the days following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, the conversation and debate about nepotism, bullying and power play in Bollywood was triggered once again. Many opened up about how outsiders are treated differently in the film industry than those hailing from big powerful film families. Now, Bollywood filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar recently opened up about nepotism in the film industry and recalled how people simply disappeared the moment his first film Trishakti flopped.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Madhur Bhandarkar said that a lot of people ask him how he kept himself away from camps, or from any form of lobbying. “My first film, Trishakti flopped, and I got a ringside view of people, how they desert you, and don’t want to talk to you. They feel ‘Film flopped, yeh manhoos hai’. It could be anyone — an actor or director — the tone and texture of their personality changes. This industry is very cruel,” said the filmmaker.
Madhur Bhandarkar hailed from a middle-class family and had to work really hard, especially after his first film flopped. Recalling his hard times after his first film didn’t work, Madhur Bhandarkar said, “The minute Trishakti bombed, people who used to take my calls — they were not even big people — they simply disappeared. They were suddenly nowhere. It was difficult for me to again get a foothold. People advise you ‘Your career is over’. My professional obituary was written that day.”
A lot has changed between then and now, and Madhur Bhandarkar has directed some critically-acclaimed films such as Page 3, Chandni Bar, Fashion, among others. In his conversation with the tabloid, Madhur Bhandarkar mentioned that insiders do get more chances and respect. “If not success, at least access is there, because of a father, brother, mom or uncle who’s successful,” he said.
Image Source: instagram/imbhandarkar
Image Source: instagram/imbhandarkar