There are some films that have stood the test of time and have attained an iconic status today. No matter how many times you watch them, the memorable songs, the impactful dialogues and the unforgettable scenes seem newer yet more familiar each time. What’s more, with each new actor that wows us with their performance on screen, we either see strong similarities between them and yesteryear actors or the potential to recreate and reinterpret a cult character in their own style. So wouldn’t it be twice as nice if certain iconic films were remade starring the current generation of actors? We re-imagine the cast of some of the most memorable Bollywood movies…
Kabhi Kabhie
The lyrical love story that took the '70s by storm, Kabhie Kabhie is a cross-generation story of friendship, love and marriage. And who better to play the star crossed jodi of Amit and Pooja than Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol? We’ve seen Shah Rukh bring poetry to life on screen in Jab Tak Hai Jaan and to see him recite the famous lines “Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai” would be a treat to watch. And Salman Khan as Pooja’s husband Vijay would be an ideal fit. We’ve not only seen the three stars in a love triangle before but we can’t think of anyone else to step into Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee and Shashi Kapoor’s shoes. And as far as Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh’s roles as Vicky and Pinky are concerned, the hit pair of Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt would be perfect to reprise the roles.
Abhimaan
A successful singer who succumbs to his jealousy when his wife races ahead of him in success is what Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s landmark film Abhimaan is about. And Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan played their parts to perfection. If the film were to be remade today, we can only picture the same level of performance from Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. While their chemistry as an on screen couple is unparalleled, to see them spar off as a couple torn apart by their different views on the same profession would be a novel and intense sight.
Ram Lakhan
One of the most memorable films about two brothers, Ram Lakhan is all the more special for the camaraderie between Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. And we bet that the dapper Abhishek Bachchan, who has successfully played a tough cop in the past, would make for an ideal Ram. And the only person who comes to mind when we think of the free-spirited younger brother Lakhan, is Ranveer Singh. Not only is he a self confessed fan of the film, his impression of Anil Kapoor is also bang-on, making him almost a rightful successor to the role. And to see Tabu in Rakhee’s shoes, as the mother of Ram and Lakhan, would definitely add an interesting dimension to this crackling new casting.
Baseraa
A film about two sisters whose married lives are tossed about by fate, making them marry the same man, Baseraa was brought to screen by the brilliant performances of Rakhee as Sharda, Rekha as Nima and Shashi Kapoor as Balraj. And we’d love to see Madhuri Dixt reprise the role of the scarred Sharda, while Deepika Padukone plays the foil character of Nima. Both actresses will not only bring the necessary gravitas to the role but would also bring a fresh dynamic to the screen. As far as Shashi Kapoor’s character is concerned, the young-as-ever Anil Kapoor would be an ideal fit. While we’ve seen Anil and Madhuri create magic on screen before, seeing Deepika and Anil together would be an interesting first.
Arth
In one of the most sensitively made films about extramarital affairs, Mahesh Bhatt’s Arth is an absolute classic. While some films should remain the way they are, the powerhouse performers, Kangana Ranaut and Vidya Balan would be able to reprise the roles of Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi respectively. The two actresses would make amazing foils to one another, with Kangana as an independent actress and Vidya playing a married woman who must rediscover herself and her identity after her husband leaves her.
Sholay
While certain films are immortal in their original casting, we’d love to see Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan recreate the bromance as Jay and Veeru respectively. While Sidharth brings the intensity much like Angry Young Man Amitabh Bachchan, Varun Dhawan’s comic timing would do justice to Veeru’s proposal from the water tank. Add to the mix a spunky Parineeti Chopra to play the vivacious motor mouth Basanti and Akshay Kumar as the daunting and vicious Gabbar (on the wrong side of the law this time) and we may just have a perfectly recreated epic on our hands!
Silsila
A film about love that is found, lost and rekindled once more, Silsila revolves around the lives of Amit, Shobha and Chandni. And Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha’s love triangle, both on screen and allegedly off screen as well, worked wonders in the film. If this film were to be recast with a younger cast, Ranbir Kapoor would perfectly fit the bill as a pensive writer who faces the tussle between duty and love. Deepika Padukone as the silent and strong Shobha (played by Jaya Bachchan) would showcase a different side to the Ranbir-Deepika chemistry we have seen so far on screen. Katrina Kaif would be brilliantly suited for the attractive and independent Chandni (played by Rekha). We bet this trio would set off fireworks much like the original one.
Seeta aur Geeta
After seeing her ace a double role in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, which left everyone in splits and made us empathise with both characters equally, who wouldn’t agree that Kangana Ranaut would be the ideal choice to step into Hema Malini’s shoes in this comical film? And to see her in polar opposite avatars – the docile and the impish – would be a treat in itself.
Mughal-e-Azam
The beautiful love story of Anarkali and Salim was once created with Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. If we were to recast this epic film, we can’t help but pick Shraddha Kapoor to play the elegant, delicate and innocent Anarkali and Shahid Kapoor to play her charming and romantic hero, Salim. And as far as Akbar is concerned, can there be anyone more awe-inspiring and regal than Mr Bachchan to step into Prithviraj Kapoor’s shoes? To see him play father figure to Shahid would be an intriguing dynamic to watch.
Mother India
One of the most iconic films in Hindi Cinema, Nargis set the benchmark for many generations of actresses to come. The film’s protagonist Radha is a strong character which is that of an archetypical Indian woman, who battles hardships to raise her sons and live a life of dignity. Always a standout performer and known to essay powerful women characters with ease, Vidya Balan would bring the earthiness and the resoluteness of Radha to life with near perfection.
Pyaasa
Regarded as one of the best films of all time, Pyaasa tells the tale of a disillusioned poet who struggles to find love, security and recognition in a materialistic world. After his intriguing portrayal as the fictional detective Byomkesh Bakshi, his intense looks and brilliant acting make him a perfect fit for the role of the poet Vijay.
Mr India
Easily one of the best loved children’s fantasy films, Mr India’s almost legendary standard is hard to recreate. But the strapping young Ayushmann Khurrana can not only bring the wide-eyed fascination and investigative nature of Arun to screen, but also the magnanimity. And with her effortless success with comedic roles, Kareena Kapoor Khan can pull off the character of Seema with flair. But as far as Mogambo is concerned, there’s no one who can play him like Amrish Puri did!
Bobby
A story of young love, Bobby gave Bollywood two of its finest actors, Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. The young and innocent Alia, whose acting skills have been lauded right since her first film, would be able to recreate the beauty and elegance that Dimple Kapadia brought to screen. And the charming and soft spoken Imran Khan can definitely put his romantic foot forward to recreate Rishi Kapoor’s character.
Andaz
This Rajesh Khanna-Hema Malini-Shammi Kapoor starrer was lauded for its performances and was a hit with the audiences. While Shammi Kapoor and Hema Malini shone as the lead pair in the 70s, we're sure that Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan could spell magic on screen as two single parents who come close after the tragic deaths of their spouses. The two actors have brought down the house before and it would be great to see their chemistry again. And Shah Rukh Khan reprising Rajesh Khanna's role as the first husband would add that extra touch of flair, much like the 70's superstar.