'I was crying like a child after being cleared of rape'

The filmmaker talks about an eight-year long battle in the court and the conviction to emerge on top

The Supreme Court recently quashed the much-talked about molestation case against filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar. After eight years of fighting the battle, Madhur feels he is now a free bird. Excerpts from an interview...

There must be immense relief?
When I heard about it in the court, I was overwhelmed. I walked out, came to the corner of a corridor and was crying like a child. I have been through hell and back in the last eight years and when finally people started coming and wishing me, I was a relieved man.


The case put a question mark on your character?
I agree but I have been a strong person. The eight years have added a lot of dimension to my career. I was making Page 3 when the news came out. I remember people saying that my career was over. My obituaries were written but I finally came out of it with flying colours. In fact, I got three National Awards after that. My family and my friends remained intact and nothing fazed me.

And on a personal front?
I was only six months into my marriage, so it was not easy. But I never gave up. I have run from pillar-to-post to get my name cleared. One should have the conviction to fight till the very end.


Heroine has made money but you received flak for it?
It's okay. I made the film with conviction and my actors are with me, my producers are happy. Just three days ago, Kareena told me that she has never received the kind of feedback that she did for Heroine. I am doing a film with UTV, Bhushan Kumar and two more are in the pipeline. What more can I ask for? 

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com