Madhur Bhandarkar’s films (Chandni Bar, Page 3, Traffic Signal, Fashion and now his latest Jail, which has a nude scene) have always created hype before release. But the National Award winning director insists he doesn’t need gimmicks to grab attention.

You have shot a nude scene with Neil Nitin Mukesh in Jail. Was it tough to convince Neil?

Not at all. I am happy that young, talented actors like Neil believe in pushing the envelope. Neil understands cinema. When I told him about the scene, he was game for it. He knows that I am not a new filmmaker who is telling him to do something just to titillate or to shock the audience.

Will the scene also inspire other actors to do what the character demands instead of what the image demands?

Absolutely. It is essential for an actor to understand that apart from his image, he has to be a character in the film.

Are you aware that Yash Raj’s New York has a similar nude scene with John Abraham?

I have no clue.

Why was the nude scene necessary in the movie?

The film is based on a jail where an inmate is required to remove his clothes for a regular check-up to find out if he has got any drugs or a blade. He is being frisked. We have seen so many scenes in world cinema where prisoners undress. Jail is a realistic film. I didn’t incorporate the scene for the shock value and we have shot it very aesthetically. There was also so much noise about sodomy in Chandni Bar, child abuse in Page 3 or Kangana’s wardrobe malfunction in Fashion.

But such scenes serve as an added attraction to draw more audience...

I have already created a name for myself as a filmmaker thanks to my fans and the media. I don’t have to rely on such gimmicks to draw the audience. People come to see my movies because there is Madhur Bhandarkar’s name attached to it.

They know Madhur will bring something new for them. I am very happy that all my films from Chandni Bar, Page 3, Corporate, Traffic Signal and Fashion have worked at the box office and got critical acclaim. My films have also got National Awards.

Jail created a lot of buzz since the day it was announced. After Fashion I could have made any Rs 40 crore-film and gone further into the glamour world but with Jail I am trying to make something different. I am making a dark film, which is a complete contrast to Fashion. It’s a 12 crore-film. I am a passionate filmmaker. I love to explore different genres and styles of cinema. So Jail will be a peek into the Indian jail that our films have not shown. They have shown a jail in a very stereotypical way. I have shown a jail that is very authentic. I am sure people will like it.

Do you fear that the Censor Board might scissor the scene?

The Censor Board has always been moderate with my films. With Fashion I was a little disappointed when they gave it an A certificate. I never expected it because Chandni Bar and Page 3 were given a U/A certificate. But right now I am not thinking about censorship, I just want to make Jail.

If a film were made on your life, would you like to play Madhur Bhandarkar?

Maybe I would, because I can play myself the best!

A lot of directors have tried their hand at acting. Would you like to act?

Many people have offered me roles but I don’t think I should act. I am a bad actor — I can only extract good performances from others.

But you are looking very fit of late...

Good, na? Why should only actors have to be good-looking? Directors can also be good looking. Directors are also becoming fitness conscious and are trying to look personable.