In this exclusive interview RajKumar Santoshi talks with Subhash K Jha on the return of the Salman Khan, Aamir Khan comedy, Andaz Apna Apna (1994], to the big screen this April.
Your most popular film Andaz Apna Apna is making a comeback to movie theatres this April?
Yes, Priti Sinha (daughter of Andaz Apna Apna producer Vinay Sinha) called me to inform me that they are planning to re-release 500 prints. I am very happy, of course. Why wouldn’t I be? The love and devotion that the film has collected over the years is beyond anything I’ve seen. Now, all those who love the film and were not there when it was first released would be able to see and enjoy it on the big screen.
Is it your favourite film from your repertoire?
It is my most popular film for sure. But I have other favourites. I like my work in most of my films, including Ghayal, Ghatak, Khakee, and Lajja, which I know is your favorite. Andaz Apna Apna is special for two reasons.
And they are?
One is because we had so much fun shooting it. I still remember Aamir, Salman, Karisma, Raveena, Paresh Rawal, Shakti Kapoor, and Viju Khote—all of us would be in splits while shooting the scenes. Our cinematographer, Ishwar Bidri, would laugh so much we had to sometimes stop the shooting and wait for Ishwar to control himself.
Would you be promoting the re-release?
I don’t know. Right now, I am totally into the post-production of my new film, Lahore 1947, which Aamir Khan has produced. It has turned out really well, if I may say so myself. You would like it as much as Lajja, if not more.
Which are your other films you would like re-released?
Lajja, for sure. I feel we came with that, too, ahead of time. I think its theme of women’s empowerment would be far more acceptable in today’s day and age.
There is revival culture in the our cinemas lately. Sanam Teri Kasam is doing phenomenal business. Do you think people are going back to the classics as they are disillusioned with the new releases?
Is Sanam Teri Kasam a classic? For whatever reason, people should and must-see films in movie theatres. I believe laughter can never go out of fashion. Most fans of Andaz Apna Apna agree it is the funniest film.
Any hope of a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna?
I am happy to tell you we have almost cracked the idea for a sequel. We will be making an announcement soon. You would be the first to know.
