It's a myth that I am a tough task master: Bhansali

Mumbai: Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is known to be a tough task master, says it is a misconception that he shouts or bullies people.

"It is a myth that Sanjay is a (tough) task master and that he shouts and bullies people. It is nothing like that. We have fun while working. Obviously, when something wrong happens, like if there is something dirty you will get angry. Small angers are permissible to everyone," Bhansali told PTI.

The filmmaker says he has always loved his actors and believed in giving them space, respect and right direction.

"They (actors) feel they have the potential and I am just reminding them about it and tapping their talent. I haven't done that as a task master or by scolding," he said.

Though his last few films have not made a good mark at box office, Bhansali insists both box office success and critical acclaim are important to him.

"Criticism is good but box office is important too as it shows that number of people have seen the film. It is important to earn money so that it helps you in your next film. Ultimately, audience is the king. If the film does well

commercially then you get to work with big stars again.

"But there should not be any pressure about the record. The amount (budget) should be recovered, that is the responsibility of a director. Whether it earns Rs 200 or 400 crore, one should not think about it (records) as today there

are more number of screens, so the business has to increase."

Bhansali is surprised that today people ask how much money the film has earned rather than asking how the film is.

"I don't have to prove myself. I don't understand figures. The only concern of the director is to recover the money. It is good that films are earning money as it is good for the industry. But there should be no pressure on a filmmaker that you have to earn certain amount of numbers or outdo them," he said.

The filmmaker is looking forward to the release of 'Ram-Leela'. Starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead, the film releases on November 15.