Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, best known for his Shakespearean trilogy Maqbool, Omkara and Haider, says he is fascinated by stories of human conflict. (Also Read: Now, Vishal Bhardwaj Wants to Adapt Shakespeare's Comedies)



In conversation with scientist-turned-filmmaker Bedabrata Pyne at Kolkata Literary Meet, Vishal said, "I always look for a story which could give me good human conflict (drama).



"My films and my subjects make very strong impressions on my cinematic vision. My genre has to be every man's genre from Makdee to Omkara and Haider. The director said his actors know the space they have to work in and are familiar with their lines. Vishal, whose Haider was screened at the Busan and Rome film festivals last year, praised Irrfan Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Kay Kay Menon and others. "I choose not to direct my actors. I tell them," he said.

Vishal gave a thumbs up to the Indian tradition of filmmaking, saying films like Lunchbox were made from time to time. He added that Gulzar had always made a strong impact on his cinematic choices.