25th Anniversary of Chandni Bar Celebrated, Director Highlights 5 Films on Real Life

Madhur Bhandarkar, who first shocked audiences with the 2000 drama Chandni Bar, recently celebrated the film’s 25th anniversary. The director reflected on how the movie’s raw portrayal of the Mumbai bar‑culture sparked conversations about women’s exploitation and earned critical acclaim. In a special interview, Bhandarkar highlighted five of his later projects—Kyun! Ho Gaya Na…?, Aisha, Raaz: The Mystery Continues, and two others—that similarly explore social issues beyond the glitz. He emphasized that each film attempts to bring hidden stories to the mainstream, mirroring the impact of Chandni Bar. The anniversary event was attended by cast members, critics, and film scholars who praised the director’s commitment to socially relevant cinema.