National Award-winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on 1 June, attending the sacred Bhasma Aarti and describing the experience as deeply fulfilling. Bhandarkar, who has been visiting the revered shrine for over two decades, said his connection with Mahakaal remains as strong as ever.

A Two-Decade Devotion

'I am very happy to be here at Bhasma Aarti. I feel very good when I get the energy and devotion here. I have a very strong connection with Mahakaal,' Bhandarkar said in Ujjain. He added that he has been making the annual pilgrimage for the past 20 to 22 years, though this visit marked his return to the Bhasma Aarti after a gap of several years. 'I feel satisfied and peaceful here,' he noted.

Prayers for Family, Friends and Fans

The filmmaker said he prayed for a wide circle — his family, relatives, and friends — and expressed a wish for Mahakaal's blessings to extend to all. His visit reflects a pattern seen among several Bollywood figures who have publicly spoken about spiritual ties to the Ujjain temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.

Bhandarkar Praises Ujjain's Development

Bhandarkar also took note of the visible transformation of the temple town over the years. 'Whenever I come to Ujjain, I see many changes. Every year I see that the corridors are so beautiful. The roads are very big. The hotels are very good. There has been a lot of development,' he said. He specifically congratulated Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for the city's development, calling it 'a great job.'

'The Wives' Release Expected in August or September

Bhandarkar also shared an update on his upcoming film 'The Wives', which explores the hidden realities and struggles of Bollywood star wives. The ensemble cast includes Mouni Roy, Sonali Kulkarni, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhat, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruwala. 'I am working on the post-production. I think it will be released in August or September. I will announce the release date as soon as possible,' he said, adding that he also sought Mahakaal's blessings for the film's success.

Bhandarkar is widely recognised for directing films such as Chandni Bar, Page 3, Traffic Signal, and Fashion. He has also co-produced the Bengali film Avijatrik, adapted from Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's novel Aparajito. With 'The Wives' in post-production, the filmmaker's next chapter appears set to continue his signature style of examining the underbelly of glamorous worlds.