Heroine was released in theatres, on September 21, 2012. The film had received critical acclaim, though it failed to fetch box-office numbers.
In conversation with Pinkvilla recently, director Madhur Bhandarkar revealed that there were several actors who had called him up after the film's release.
He shared that they had all heaped praises on the film.
He also added how some actresses called him, and said, "You've done a great job with my character; I know it was about me."
Madhur Bhandarkar further revealed, "I know so many people who called me after watching Heroine. So many actresses called me. I don't want to name them, but they called and applauded. Not just actresses, even actors have told me when I met them, 'You've made such a good film', and that there was so much truth in it."
He mentioned that he believed the film was very nice, and he truly loved it.
The director reiterated, "I've not named anybody, or said that this character is based on someone specific. I've never claimed that."
Heroine's plot was around how the film industry functions behind all the glamour. The highs and lows of being part of this world, and the compromises that come with it.
It revolved around Kareena Kapoor Khan's onscreen character Mahi Arora. It was about her highly successful career, and the challenges that came with being a superstar at the movies.
The film opened up to mixed reviews, but Kareena's performance was highly appreciated.