IANS/New Delhi The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed rape charges made by an actress against Bollywood producer Madhur Bhandarkar.The court quashed the charges after it was told the actress and model Preeti Jain was no longer interested in pursuing the case after nine years.Jain earlier alleged that Bhandarkar had sex with her 16 times after promising to cast her in a lead role in a film. Jain filed a complaint in a magistrate’s court in 2004. “It was always a false case. But I still had to fight for eight long years,” Bhandarkar said. In 2005 Jain was arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder the director. She was later released on bail. Mumbai police also filed reports stating there was no case to pursue against Bhandarkar. But a lower court dismissed the reports and allowed the case to go ahead. Bhandarkar appealed against the lower court’s ruling.The national award-winning filmmaker said he was relieved after the court decision.He thanked his wife, friends and fans for their support.“I am feeling very much relieved. When I got this news, I was completely numb and I was in tears. This case was almost eight-and-a-half years old, so this whole drama has come to an end,” Bhandarkar said.He said he never felt demoralised because of the allegation.“As a filmmaker, this whole thing never demoralised me. I am very happy and thankful to the media, people, friends who have supported me. I am grateful to my wife (Renu Namboodiri), who stood by me during this sad phase.” “The industry thought my career would come to an end, but this thing never demoralised me and I stuck with my conviction and went ahead and made films. I am very happy right now and thankful to God.” The 46-year-old is known for films like Chandni Bar, Page 3, Traffic Signal and Fashion. His latest film was Kareena Kapoor-starrer Heroine.