'Fashion' not on Gitanjali, says Madhur Bhandarkar

NEW DELHI: A defiant Madhur Bhandarkar on Monday said, "In all my films, the protagonist has been a woman. I will never show women in a derogatory fashion.'' He further questioned, "My films are a combination of real life and fiction. So, should I stop making good cinema?'' The film-maker had come to the Delhi Commission for Women to submit an affidavit denying the allegation that his film "Fashion'', due for release on Wednesday, was based on the life of model Gitanjali Nagpal.

Bhandarkar also agreed for a special screening of his film before the commission on October 30 to clear the air. "I'm willing to show my movie to the commission. And, if my statement is found to be incorrect, I will take full responsibility.''

He added: "No character in my film is portraying the life of Gitanjali Nagpal, neither is the name of the concerned model in my movie Gitu or Gitanjali. In fact, the name of the character played by Kangana Ranaut is Sonali Gujral who, in the film, is a reigning supermodel from Mumbai. Whereas, Gitanjali was never a supermodel.''

Bhandarkar had been summoned by the women's commission after it was speculated that his latest film which probes into the dark side of the fashion industry had drawn inspiration from the life of Gitanjali Nagpal a model who was found on Delhi's streets a year ago in a dilapidated condition.

After the meeting with Bhandarkar, Barkha Singh, chairperson DCW, said : "We are quite convinced the film has no real reference to Gitanjali's life after the film-maker narrated the entire story to the commission. But, we will take a decision once the film is screened before us on October 30 as promised. If we find any character portraying Gitanjali, we will take legal action.''

The commission had earlier raised its objection and displeasure after it was reported that Bhandarkar's film, Fashion, was based on Gitanjali's life. That too, without any prior permission from the commission or Gitanjali's family.

Bhandarkar also said the alleged statement given by Kangana Ranaut, where she had admitted to be playing the role of `Gitu', was given in her personal capacity.