MUMBAI: Actor Hema Malini and director Ramesh Sippy together gave hits like Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay. Now the two are teaming up again after over four decades for a romantic comedy and Bollywood’s Dream Girl says this could be “another important film in my career.”
Titled Shimla Mirchi, the film will reportedly tell the story of a single mother, played by Malini, and her daughter (Rakul Preet Singh) who both fall in love with the same man.
“In the midst of all that is happening in parliament and my constituency (Mathura), this film offer came to me. Normally, I wouldn’t have said yes, given my grueling schedule to parliament and my obligations in my constituency. But this film is not the usual run-of-the-mill stuff,” said Malini.
She fell in love with the script. “It’s light-hearted comedy with a very unusual role for me. I am sure it will turn out to be something very special. Also, the offer came from Ramesh ji who is returning to direction after many years. I couldn’t say no to him.”
“Some of my most important films, be it Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta or Sholay have been with Rameshji. I get the feeling this new film with Rameshji would be another important film in my career.” Their last film together was 1972 hit comedy Sita Aur Geeta, about twin sisters.
How does Malini intend to find the time to shoot for Shimla Mirchi? “Just like I’m doing everything in my life,” she replied. While life lends itself to a hectic pace from city to city for Malini, she won’t compromise on her basic health precautions.
“I have to eat and sleep on time, and properly. That is non-negotiable,” she said adding that she was more than content with life. “Everything I’ve wanted has been mine. I wanted my two daughters to be happily married. When Esha and Ahana got married, I didn’t get two sons-in-law. I got two sons. My two sons-in-law are the sons I never had,” she added.
Also starring in the film is actor Rajkummar Rao, who said in an earlier interview that the movie is unusual and that he’s excited about romancing Bollywood’s Dream Girl.
Without divulging the film’s plot, Rajkummar went on to share that he has so far “not got an opportunity to meet Hema ji, but it’s a dream come true to share the screen space with her.”
Sippy’s last highly acclaimed directorial venture was the 1985-release Saagar, which marked the come-back of Dimple Kapadia on the silver screen after a long gap. Shimla Mirchi will go on floors in mid-September.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2014.
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