May 06, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Madhur Bhandarkar’s next film, featuring Kareena Kapoor, which is about the life of a leading lady whose career is at its peak and then it goes downhill, was set to have the most befitting title according to Bhandarkar – Mahee. However, the filmmaker now has to settle on Heroine instead and stay content with it as Mahee is registered with Ashutosh Gowariker. Bhandarkar wouldn’t have thought twice about buying the title had it been any other director. But because of a history with Gowariker, he is unwilling to approach the filmmaker.

Apparently, at an awards’ function last year, Gowariker had voiced his opinion that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan should have won the best actress award for his film Jodhaa-Akbar and not Priyanka Chopra for Bhandarkar’s Fashion. Bhandarkar defended Priyanka at once. He stated that he was shocked at Gowariker’s words as he had always admired the latter’s work and not just they, their wives were also friends. Bhandarkar felt that if Gowariker had such feelings, he should have spoken to him instead of spoiling Priyanka’s moment on stage. He expressed that Priyanka won every popular award which meant that she deserved it. Gowariker’s statement created a rift that only got wider with time.

According to sources, Bhandarkar is very keen on the title Mahee as it fits the film and its subject just perfectly but because of everything that has happened between Gowariker and him; he is unwilling to ask for the title.Kareena’s character in the film isn’t based entirely on Marilyn Monroe, as was reported earlier but is actually inspired by Nargis, Meena Kumar and Madhubala – three of Bollywood’s most legendary actresses.

- Sampurn Wire