Anushree Mehta to remake Classic Film ‘Bawarchi’

Anushree Mehta is gearing up to remake the classic film Bawarchi (1972).

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Bawarchi starred Rajesh Khanna (Raghunandan ‘Raghu’) and Jaya Bachchan (Krishna H Sharma).

The film told the story of Raghu joining the Sharmas as a chef – a squabbling family who have their differences sorted out by Raghu.

Also featuring veteran stars including Asrani and Durga Khote, Bawarchi makes for the perfect film for classic Bollywood lovers who wish to laugh at the rib-tickling comedy and enjoy the innocent romance between the two leads.

Anushree is in business with the production company Jaadugar Films, which has also committed to remake two other classics: Koshish (1972) and Mili (1975).

With the Bawarchi remake having high expectations, Anushree Mehta explained:

“When my business partner Abir Sengupta (Jaadugar Films), 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 on board as the writer-director.

“The idea of retelling a film is to adapt it according to the current times and make it more relatable to the world we live in today – while keeping the soul and purpose of the original intact.

“Since Bawarchi itself was a remake of a Bengali film, Hrishida in his time recreated it and made it relatable to that era.

“My attempt is going to be with a similar intention, to retell the classic story of Bawarchi in a way that the family audiences of all age groups can watch and enjoy the movie together.

“I’m aiming to create a wholesome, unforgettable family experience.”

The script for the remake is reportedly complete, and producers are currently looking to begin the casting process for the film.

Bawarchi was a massive hit when it was originally released. It remained the only film in which Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Bachchan worked together.

Apart from Bawarchi, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Rajesh Khanna also worked on enduring films including Anand (1971) and Namak Haraam (1973).

In an interview in which he discussed Bawarchi, the late superstar recalled:

“In Bawarchi, I did exactly the opposite of what Hrishida had made me do in Anand.

“He allowed me to interpret the role and perform my way.”

“I had done enough intense roles, and Bawarchi gave me the opportunity to interpret and perform the role the way I wanted.

“So I let myself go.”

Meanwhile, Anushree Mehta is a new filmmaker who made her debut with the film Mrs Undercover (2023).

It featured Radhika Apte as the main character of Durga.