Madhur Bhandarkar Quotes

Powerful Madhur Bhandarkar for Daily Growth

About Madhur Bhandarkar

Madhur Bhandarkar, born on January 14, 1968, in Mumbai, India, is a prolific Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer, renowned for his realistic and hard-hitting portrayal of the Indian film industry and society. His works often reflect contemporary issues, showcasing the raw, unfiltered side of life, thereby earning him the title of 'India's answer to Larry Clark.' Bhandarkar began his career as an assistant director under Mahesh Bhatt on films like 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin' and 'Aashiqui.' However, it was his directorial debut with 'Chandni Bar' in 2001 that marked the beginning of his unique style. The film won critical acclaim and established him as a significant voice in Indian cinema. His subsequent works, including 'Page 3,' 'Corporate,' 'Fashion,' 'Traffic Signal,' 'Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji,' 'Calendar Girls,' and 'Indu Sarkar,' continued to depict the gritty reality of different professions and societal strata in India. These films not only showcased his storytelling prowess but also brought forth important social issues such as patriarchy, drugs, and political corruption. Bhandarkar's influence extends beyond cinema; he has been a jury member at several international film festivals, including the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. His works have been nominated for numerous awards, with 'Fashion' winning Best Movie (Critics) and Best Actress (Priyanka Chopra) at the Filmfare Awards in 2009. In addition to filmmaking, Bhandarkar is also a passionate photographer and has published two books, 'Mumbai Diaries' and 'Bollywood: A Journey Through its Dream World,' showcasing his unique perspective of capturing the essence of Mumbai and Bollywood. Despite facing controversies, Madhur Bhandarkar continues to be a significant figure in Indian cinema, challenging norms and pushing boundaries with his realistic portrayals.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not always a bed of roses, it's a battlefield."

This quote emphasizes that life isn't inherently easy or peaceful; rather, it is filled with challenges and difficulties. It suggests that one must be prepared for hardships and be resilient in the face of adversity, just as one would need to fight on a battlefield. In other words, the journey of life requires courage, determination, and the ability to persevere despite obstacles.


"Reality bites, but I love reality because that's life."

This quote emphasizes a deep appreciation for authenticity and the acceptance of life as it truly is, rather than an idealized version. The phrase "reality bites" suggests the occasional pain or challenge that comes with facing the truth, but the speaker's love for reality indicates their resilience and willingness to embrace life's complexities. It underscores the importance of dealing honestly with one's circumstances and finding beauty in the journey, even when it may be difficult or unpleasant at times.


"Every character has its own truth."

This quote emphasizes that every character, whether in a movie or life, possesses their own unique truth - a distinct essence, motivation, and experiences that shape their actions and behavior. Understanding this truth is crucial for empathy, as it helps us appreciate the complexities and nuances of others, fostering compassion and open-mindedness. This idea can be applied to both fictional characters in art and real people we encounter daily, promoting a more holistic understanding of humanity.


"Films are a reflection of society and they should have a social message."

This quote suggests that films, as a medium, mirror societal aspects and expectations. It implies that filmmakers have a responsibility to convey messages or themes that reflect the current state and issues within society, sparking thought, conversation, and potential change among viewers. Essentially, Bhandarkar posits that cinema is not just for entertainment but also serves as an educational and transformative tool in shaping societal awareness and progress.


"I don't make films for the box office, I make them for myself. If it does well, that's great, but my primary focus is on storytelling."

This quote suggests that Madhur Bhandarkar prioritizes his personal artistic expression and storytelling over commercial success when creating films. He values the creative process above financial gain and makes movies that resonate with him, rather than tailoring them to appeal to a wider audience for higher box office returns. The implication is that if his films are commercially successful, it's an added bonus, but he remains committed to telling authentic stories.


After 'Chandni Bar' there was a shutdown of such bars in Mumbai. After 'Page 3' people started avoiding such events. 'Traffic Signal' exposed the money flow through the mafia. I'm not apologetic about the brutal truth in my films. Almost 70% of my films are based on reality, and 30% I fictionalize or change to suit my film.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Mumbai, Through, Almost, Bars

I pick my actors primarily based on my gut-feel. They could be rank newcomers or established stars, but if I feel they'll do justice to my characters, they are on. I think Bollywood is now looking towards Kollywood for new faces, and, to my mind, Suriya will be a very successful crossover star because he's very versatile.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

I Think, Very, Crossover, Versatile

As I had visualized, 'Heroine' is shaping up to be a very contemporary film with a different premise and strata. This film, like most of my other films, is a blend of facts and fiction. The film has a larger span, more characters, and costumes... a journey that revolves around an actress's life and the showbiz.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Other, Very, Larger, Showbiz

I was always an avid reader of books. My vocabulary, my English are all thanks to that reading habit. Reading keeps me grounded. I came from a very middle class family - poor, in fact.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Fact, Very, Reader, Class Family

While Hollywood has had a huge influence on the Indian industry, Bollywood and its actors, too, are garnering a lot of attention in the western film world.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Hollywood, Industry, Had, Huge Influence

Whenever I come to Delhi, I forget about eating right and watching my weight.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Forget, About, Whenever, Delhi

I have registered few titles like 'Bharat Bandh,' 'Calendar Girl,' 'Money Politics.' The titles just intrigued me, so I registered. I had a title, 'Jai Ho,' which I gave to Sohail Khan for his next film with Salman Khan. These are typical Madhur Bhandarkar kind of films. I may make a film or not on such titles... not sure yet.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Politics, Next, Registered, Intrigued

I am an emotional and fragile person. I observe life, I am perceptive and can read a person's body language. I have a strong journalistic streak in me, and had I not been a filmmaker, I would have become a film journalist. I have combined my perceptive and journalistic traits to create my own brand of cinema.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Strong, Been, Traits, Brand

For my film 'Fashion,' like an investigative journalist, I went about knowing the people, the models, the fashion designers. Similarly with the corporate world.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Like, Models, Designers, Corporate World

My entire career stands on the strong pillars of women-oriented films. This stems from the fact that I am sensitive to the entire aura and mystique of a woman and womanhood.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Womanhood, Stems, Films, Aura

Films are meant solely to provide entertainment. There are no lessons to be learnt and and inferences to be drawn. Has anyone become dutiful and law abiding after seeing a film that espouses these very virtues? Films can do no more than influence fashion, decor, and hairstyle trends.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Entertainment, Virtues, Very, Inference

I like to leave a film open-ended, with a lingering feeling. I'll not do sequels of any of my films till I have subjects to explore.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Films, Sequels, Till, Lingering

I love Indian food, and my favourite dish is dal rice.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Love, I Love, Dish, Indian

Indian cinema is no more limited to audiences in India. We have viewers all around the world, and hence, understanding the global perspective is a must. Cinema Beyond Boundaries would get the viewers and the filmmakers together and would help us in serving them with good quality cinema.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

India, Around, Global, Indian

In my downtime, you'll mostly find me curled up with a book. I love reading biographies. My favourites are those of Dalai Lama, Osama Bin Laden, and Einstein.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Love, Mostly, Dalai Lama, Dalai

I think as a filmmaker one should make all kinds of films. It is not that one should make only one kind of film. I love to see romantic films; I loved watching 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,' 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.' If I make such films, I will make it with my yardstick, according to my parameters.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Love, I Think, According, Yardstick

I'm not into replicating old movies. But one should never say never. Tomorrow I may feel like making a part 2 of some of my movies.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Some, Making, May, Old Movies

I like reading a lot. Jeffrey Archer and Robert Ludlum are my favourite authors. I love making realistic cinema, so I read non-fiction more.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Love, Making, Read, Authors

I am a very spiritual person and love travelling to religious places. I go to the Golden Temple, Tirupati Balaji and Vaishno Devi every year.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Love, Travelling, Very, Spiritual Person

I don't want to make 'Chandni Bar 2.' I didn't think 'Fashion 2' will happen. If a film ends on a high note... makes the audience think and lingers in the end... that is needed.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Think, Happen, Note, In The End

I have no regret about making 'Heroine'; rather, I am happy I made it. I never shun my films; I stick to it.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

I Am Happy, Making, Films, Heroine

I think 'Heroine' was Kareena Kapoor's best ever role of her career.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Career, Think, Ever, Heroine

I got to make 'Trishakti' with Arshad Warsi, who was a newcomer at that time. The movie took three years to complete and became dated by the time it was released. The movie did not even get a proper release and bombed at the box office. It was a very bad patch of my life and a big disaster for my career.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

My Life, By The Time, Became, Disaster

My inherent belief is that motherhood is pious, and I am humbled by it.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

I Am, Humbled, Am, Pious

I'm a terrific mimic, and you can feel my funny bone.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Bone, Feel, Terrific, Mimic

My beliefs encompass all religions. But I never show my religious inclination in my films. My characters have dark sides; they aren't the god-fearing characters. It wasn't a conscious decision. I'm a very lazy and emotional person who connects with the common man.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Lazy, Religious, Very, All Religions

My father was an electrical contractor, while I used to deliver video cassettes on a cycle to people in Juhu and Bandra, including celebrities like Mithun Chakraborty. Mithunda remembers me and is very proud of me. He can't believe that the guy who used to come to his house in short pants has become so successful.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Pants, Contractor, Very, Electrical

In all my movies, be it 'Page 3', 'Chandni Bar' or 'Corporate,' I have tried to depict honesty and reality.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Movies, Tried, Depict, Bar

There's nothing like simple spicy egg bhurji.

- Madhur Bhandarkar

Egg, Nothing, Like, Spicy

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