Filmmaker Anushree Mehta of ‘Mrs Undercover’ fame will tackle the remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic film ‘Bawarchi’, starring Rajesh Khanna. The project is part of a three-film collaboration between Jaadugar Films and Sameer Raj Sippy Productions. The two studios will also develop retellings of the Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya Bachchan starrer ‘Mili’ (1975) and Gulzar’s 1972 drama ‘Koshish’.
Mehta, who is also producing along with Abir Sengupta through Jaadugar Films, said she is excited and honored to direct the film, which will be a modern-day retelling of the classic movie. “When my business partner Abir Sengupta, Sameer Raj Sippy, and I decided to join hands to produce these three iconic films, we were clear that we would leave no stone unturned in remaking them with utmost love and respect. During our discussion on ‘Bawarchi’, Abir and Sameer were of the opinion that I should be writing and directing the remake.
“They were convinced that I would be able to tell the story in a manner which would make them proud. We were in sync with our vision and I wholeheartedly agreed to come aboard as the writer-director,” the filmmaker said in a statement. She said she would ensure that the adaptation would feel relatable to the modern audience.
Released in 1972, ‘Bawarchi’ featured late cinema icon Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Bachchan in the lead roles. The film revolves around The Sharmas, a middle-class family desperately looking for a servant and are relieved when an exuberant and multi-talented man, named Raghu (Khanna), takes up the job.
