Versatile actor Atul Kulkarni has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he landed his National Award-winning role as Pottya Sawant in director Madhur Bhandarkar's critically acclaimed film 'Chandni Bar' — and it all began with a single scene in 'Hey Ram'.

How Madhur Bhandarkar Spotted His Pottya Sawant

Speaking at a media interaction, Kulkarni recalled that Bhandarkar approached him for the role after watching his performance in 'Hey Ram'. According to Kulkarni, it was a specific moment — his entry scene in the film — that convinced the director he had found his man.

Kulkarni quoted Bhandarkar as saying: 'Madhur saw 'Hey Ram' and then he approached me for 'Chandni Baar'. 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'. I am still amazed how he saw Pottya Sawant in that getup. But that is why he is who he is.'

A Film That Swept the 49th National Film Awards

'Chandni Bar' made a historic sweep at the 49th National Film Awards, taking home four honours: Best Film on Other Social Issues, Best Actress (won by Tabu), Best Supporting Actor (won by Atul Kulkarni), and Best Supporting Actress (won by Ananya Khare). The film remains one of the most decorated Indian productions of the early 2000s.

The Story Behind 'Chandni Bar'

Released on 28 September 2001, the film charts the harrowing journey of Mumtaz, played by Tabu — a young woman whose family perishes in communal riots, forcing her to relocate to Mumbai with her maternal uncle, where she is compelled to work as a dancer at a bar named Chandni Bar. The film received widespread critical acclaim and performed well at the box office.

Produced by Lata Mohan under the banner of Shlok Films, the film features music by composer Raju Singh, cinematography by Rajeev Ravi, and editing by Hemal Kothari.

Kulkarni's Enduring Admiration for Bhandarkar

Kulkarni's anecdote underscores the director's instinctive eye for casting — his ability to visualise a character in a performer's entirely different screen presence. For Kulkarni, the experience appears to have left a lasting impression. The role of Pottya Sawant stands among the most memorable supporting performances in contemporary Hindi cinema, cementing his reputation as one of the craft's most committed actors. As 'Chandni Bar' approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, interest in the film's making continues to draw renewed attention.