Bhandarkar turns actor on Smita Thackeray's insistence

Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Critically acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who will be seen in a special appearance in Rahul Dholakia's 'Society', says he agreed to act in the movie on producer Smita Thackeray's behest.

'My first reaction was to refuse. I can't act! But nobody says no to Smitaji. Besides, she told me I had to play myself. Also, Rahul Dholakia is a dear friend. I really liked his work in 'Parzania',' Bhandarkar told IANS.

In 'Society', he plays himself, director Madhur Bhandarkar who comes to a housing society to research on a film he is making on the water scarcity in Mumbai.

Bhandarkar says he was also impressed with the cast of the film. 'When I heard I had scenes with Om Puriji, Dimple Kapadiaji, Sarikaji and Seema Biswasji, I felt I had reached heaven. I mean... my god! These are stalwarts I grew up worshipping and watching. I never thought I'd be acting with them one day,' he said.

On the sets of 'Society', he was teased by Dimple and Sarika.

'They insisted on running to the monitor to watch my shots and comment on them. It was like a dream come true to be working in front of the camera with these two beautiful actresses,' he said.

And now Bhandarkar wants to cast Dimple and Sarika in his next film, a romantic comedy which he is going to start in July ahead of the film he plans to make with Kareena Kapoor in September.

This was not Bhandarkar's first stint in front of the camera. But in Dholakia's 'Society', Bhandarkar's character speaks lines. 'I had walk-on parts in 'Rangeela' and 'Fashion'. Both were hits. I hope I prove the lucky mascot in 'Society'. Then I can start charging money for my screen appearances.'