Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 20: Versatile actor Atul Kulkarni has recalled how he landed his National Award-winning role of Pottya Sawant in Madhur Bhandarkar’s critically acclaimed film *Chandni Bar*.

Speaking during a media interaction, Kulkarni said Bhandarkar approached him for the role after watching his performance in *Hey Ram*.

The actor said the filmmaker was convinced he was the right choice for the character when he saw his first appearance in the 2000 film.

“Madhur saw ‘Hey Ram’ and then he approached me for ‘Chandni Bar’. Madhur told me that he and a friend of his had gone to watch the movie, and when they were watching ‘Hey Ram’ and my entry happened, and my getup is very different in ‘Hey Ram’ when my first entry happens, Madhur had told his friend, ‘That this is Pottya Sawant’,” Kulkarni recalled.

“I am still amazed how he saw Pottya Sawant in that getup. But that is why he is who he is,” he added.

*Chandni Bar* went on to win four honours at the 49th National Film Awards, including Best Film on Other Social Issues, Best Actress for Tabu, Best Supporting Actor for Kulkarni and Best Supporting Actress for Ananya Khare.

The film follows Mumtaz, played by Tabu, a young woman whose family is killed in communal riots. Left alone, she moves to Mumbai with her maternal uncle and is eventually pushed into working as a dancer at a bar named Chandni Bar.

Produced by Lata Mohan under the banner of Shlok Films, the film featured music composed by Raju Singh.

Rajeev Ravi handled the cinematography, while Hemal Kothari was responsible for the editing.

Released on September 28, 2001, *Chandni Bar* received widespread critical acclaim and also performed successfully at the box office.