Bhandarkar: Payal Rohatgi Scene Caused Minister Panic

Madhur Bhandarkar's 2006 film 'Corporate,' starring Bipasha Basu, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The director shared that a scene involving actress Payal Rohatgi caused considerable alarm among the wives of ministers. These ministers, who were fans of Rohatgi's item songs, would reportedly go to adjoining hotel rooms, leading to anxious inquiries from their wives about whether they were visiting the "Corporate wali" five-star hotels.

Bhandarkar stated that 'Corporate' was based on "70% truth" and real-life rumors prevalent at the time. He also recounted how successful businessmen were impressed by his portrayal of the corporate world, humorously asking if he had an MBA, despite his incomplete schooling. He emphasized his commitment to realism in the film, aiming for an engaging, non-filmy presentation.

The film's inspiration also drew from R.K. Laxman's "The Common Man" cartoons for its portrayal of ordinary people's perspectives, and Shyam Benegal's 'Kalyug' for its depiction of corporate rivalries. Benegal himself later lauded 'Corporate,' specifically praising Bipasha Basu's nuanced performance and the film's contemporary relevance.