A cherished classic from the golden era of Hindi cinema, the 1972 film ‘Bawarchi’, which showcased the late superstar Rajesh Khanna’s enchanting talent alongside Jaya Bachchan and Asrani, is poised for a creative resurrection. Filmmaker Anushree Mehta has been entrusted with the directorial reins to bring this beloved film to contemporary audiences.
‘Bawarchi’, a heartwarming tale of a multifaceted domestic cook and the unifying effect he has on a dysfunctional family, was originally directed by the celebrated Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Mehta’s appointment as the director heralds a new chapter in the film’s storied legacy. Additionally, the film itself was an adaptation of Rabi Ghosh’s Bengali film ‘Galpo Holeo Satti’, released in 1966 and directed by Tapan Sinha, making the upcoming project a remake of a remake – a testament to the story’s timeless appeal.
Anushree Mehta expressed her excitement about directing the remake. She shared insights into the collaborative effort between her business partner Abir Sengupta of Jaadugar Films and Sameer Raj Sippy on the decision to reboot three iconic films. Mehta revealed, “We were clear that we would leave no stone unturned in remaking them with utmost love and respect.”
During the planning phase for ‘Bawarchi’, Sengupta and Sippy proposed that Mehta should take up the duties of both writing and directing the remake. The pals expressed their confidence in Mehta’s ability to reinterpret the story in a way that would instill pride. The aligned vision among the trio made the director confident in her decision to helm the project.
As Mehta steps into a narrative woven with familial themes and comedic elements, she acknowledges the challenge that comes with revisiting a classic. She asserts that the key to a successful retelling lies in adapting the original to reflect the sensibilities of the present day while preserving the essence of the film’s core message. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, in his rendition of ‘Bawarchi’, accomplished this with finesse, offering a version tailored to the audience of its time. Mehta aspires to emulate this, aiming to create an experience that can be appreciated by family audiences spanning multiple generations.
The casting process for the remake is currently underway, indicating that the film is moving forward into the pre-production stage. The selection of actors will be critical, considering the iconic performances given by Rajesh Khanna and the rest of the original cast.
With Hindi cinema experiencing an influx of remakes and reboots, the return of ‘Bawarchi’ serves as a reflection of the industry’s ongoing dialogue between the past and present. As the project progresses, audiences will undoubtedly be curious to see how Anushree Mehta and her team will pay homage to the charm of Rajesh Khanna and the magic of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s narrational prowess.
The announcement of the ‘Bawarchi’ remake is also a moment to reminisce about the impact of Rajesh Khanna on Indian cinema. Known as the first superstar of Bollywood, his charisma and unique acting style left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of moviegoers.
As the film industry looks forward to bringing these enduring stories to a new audience, the conversation continues about the responsibility filmmakers have in reimagining classics. With the reassurance provided by Anushree Mehta’s passion and dedication to the craft, the remake of ‘Bawarchi’ is poised to honor its legacy while concurrently fostering connections with new generations of cinema enthusiasts.
