Acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, known for his gritty and realistic portrayals of the film industry in movies like Fashion and Heroine, recently opened up about his experiences working with top Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor.
In a candid discussion, Bhandarkar touched upon the growing trend of actors maintaining large entourages and making high demands, which can sometimes be a challenge for filmmakers.
Reflecting on his collaborations with Priyanka Chopra in Fashion (2008) and Kareena Kapoor in Heroine (2012), Bhandarkar praised both actresses for their professionalism and dedication to their craft. He revealed that despite their superstar status, both Priyanka and Kareena were more focused on the artistic integrity of the films rather than their personal gains. To ensure the projects could be completed within budget, the actresses willingly slashed their fees, demonstrating their commitment to the story and the director’s vision.
“Both Priyanka and Kareena were incredibly supportive during the making of Fashion and Heroine. They understood the challenges of working within a budget and were more concerned with contributing to a meaningful project than with the size of their paycheck,” Bhandarkar said.
He also pointed out that this level of commitment and understanding is something that stands out in today’s film industry, where large entourages and high demands are becoming increasingly common. Bhandarkar’s comments highlight the contrast between the past and present dynamics of Bollywood, shedding light on the pressures filmmakers face while working with big stars.
