Muzamil can't take a woman directing him: Pooja Bhatt

New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS) Actor-turned-director Pooja Bhatt, who's currently having a face-off with Muzamil Ibrahim starring in her upcoming film "Dhokha", says he is a chauvinist who can't take a woman giving him instructions.

"Muzamil is a chauvinist and he can't cope with the fact that he is being directed by a woman," Pooja told IANS.

"It is not my nature to be personal. Fundamentally he is not a bad person ... the problem is the background from which he comes. He has studied in a boys' school and hasn't come out of the shell as yet.

"We have worked with so many newcomers ... Muzamil is the only unpleasant experience we have had," she maintained.

"Dhokha" deals with the issue of terrorism and its incalculable spiritual costs. And model-turned-actor Muzamil plays the role of Zaid Ahmed, a bright, young Muslim police officer.

Muzamil had earlier stated in leading newspapers that "Pooja Bhatt does not exist for me", even though it was she who had given him an entry into Bollywood as a hero.

Pooja, who has churned out films like "Paap" and "Holiday", pointed out that it took a lot of blood and sweat to work with budding actors.

"Working with newcomers is like teaching a child how to walk. You can imagine, we shot 'Dhokha' in 38 days while we did 40 days of rehearsals before shooting."

Pooja has a finger in many pies - she has wowed audiences as an actress in films like "Daddy", "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi" and "Tamanna" while she writes columns for newspapers too. Apart from producing films like "Dushman" and "Zakhm", she also turned production designer in "Jism" and "Rog".

Pooja, who once hosted a TV show "Mere Saath Chal", said she wasn't keen on entering the small screen again.

"Television is most regressive for my taste. There is more in the life of women than plotting and planning against family members, contrary to what is showcased in the saas-bahu sagas. And I wouldn't portray women in this light in my film or serial."

Sharing her future plans, Pooja said she would love to venture into the world of animation and fantasy if given a chance.

"Animation is timeless! It can make a grown up feel like a child and is beyond boundaries. I would also love to make fantasy films like my grandfather Nanabhai Bhatt did," Pooja said.

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