From 'Maqbool' to 'Haider', Vishal Bhardwaj has helmed some of the most acclaimed films in Hindi cinema history but the filmmaker said that none of his movies have been a box office success.
Bhardwaj said that he does not even expect to make a lot of money and that is why commercial success is something that has never bothered him. “No film of mine has worked at the box office. They never made money... None of my films. 'Haider' just recovered the money. Not even 'Omkara' I was told. But it doesn't bother (me),” he said.
“I have chosen to make such kind of films. I don't expect a big 'dhamaka'. If it ever happens, I will probably introspect," he said at the 18th Jio MAMI International Film Festival with Star. The 51-year-old director also revealed he had a tough time making the 2002 horror drama 'Makdee'. “ 'Makdee' was the toughest film. After I made the film, the children's society rejected it and I had to release it on my own,” Bhardwaj said about the movie which earned actress Shweta Prasad the National Award for best child artiste.
He may appear to be a calm and composed man but Bhardwaj said there have been times when he walked out of the set of his own films out of anger. “ I have left the set in temper twice. Once in 'Maqbool' and 'Haider'.”
The director also shared an advice given to him by noted lyricist Gulzar, who is his frequent collaborator. “Gulzar saheb told me not to take anybody's attitude and always choose emotion over logic."”