"She (Madhuri) saw `Guzaarish` and called me and said she loved it. When she called me saying she loved every minute of the film...it meant a lot to me," Bhansali told PTI.
Directed by Bhansali, the film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, explored the life of a paraplegic and dealt with another serious issue - euthanasia. However, the film failed to create any magic at the box office.
Madhuri had essayed the role of `Chandramukhi` in Bhansali`s `Devdas` (2002) alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan.
"I waited for two-and-half years during `Khamoshi` at her door to ask her to read the script but I couldn`t get through to her. So I made the film without her. During `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` also I tried but it did not happen. Then I ensured that in `Devdas` Madhuri was there," the 48-year-old director said.
Bhansali was upset that he had to wait for four years to see Madhuri, who was one of the judges for the fourth season of `Jhalak Dikhla Jaa`, performing.
"I waited for four years as a director to see her dance as Chandramukhi, whereas in `Jhalak Dihkla Jaa` the contestants got to see her every two minutes. I was very upset. This is unfair. I waited four years for her. She is such a great and natural artist. She lights up the performance," Bhansali said.
He will now be judging the Indian version of the music reality show `X Factor` along with playback singers Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. The show will be aired on Sony Entertainment Channel from May 29.
On what ingredients he would look for in a contestant, the filmmaker said, "I would first look for great singer because its a music show. He or she must be in `sur` then I would see how much the persons eyes speak or say as I believe one can express their feelings through eyes and then ability to perform."
When asked to share his views on being a judge and a director, Bhansali said, "Judging and directing both is difficult and different in their own way. Judging is more difficult as cameras follow you round the clock and people would see me on television. When I direct films nobody is following me...you are not there on national television. So one is at ease and is comfortable."
"But in television there is responsibility of someone`s life and future on you because its the matter of their career.
So a wrong judgment could become a loss. It is essential to show respect towards a contestant. One must never be rude. You have to talk with great respect and talk in a civil manner," Bhansali said.