Kaksparsh's Hindi remake to star Big B

Mahesh Manjrekar's recent, and critically-acclaimed Marathi film, Kaksparsh, is all set for a Hindi remake. The film is about a young widow's fight for her individual space in which she is helped by her dead husband's elder brother.

However, Manjrekar's favourite actor, Sachin Khedekar, who gave a memorable performance in the film as the fiercely protective patriarch, will not be part of the Hindi remake. Amitabh Bachchan, who loves the original, has agreed to take up Sachin's role. Kaksparsh's remake will be shot in the same Konkan village where the original film was shot.

Says a source close to the project, "Amitji loves the Marathi film's theme and execution. He thinks Mahesh should remake Kaksparsh in the same way, without losing the original flavour. It will be tough shooting in the Konkan village, but the project is worth it for Amitji. Mahesh and Amitji have decided to shoot this film ahead of their other project, Naatsamrat, which they have postponed."

Says Mahesh, "The film has to be shot in the Konkan village. I want to preserve the flavour and mood of the story. I'll include all the traditional Marathi songs of Kaksparsh. And Amitji is the only actor who can do justice to the role of the patriarch who fights for the young widow's rights."

Actors Ketaki Mategaonkar and Priya Bapat play the character of the widow at different stages in the Marathi film and one wonders whether finding their replacements will be easy. Says Mahesh, "Why not? Padmini Kolhapure played a young widow in Prem Rog very well. I'd like to take the situation ahead and highlight what happens on our society. As for finding the right actors to play the part, I am sure we'll find them. It was difficult to find capable actors even in Kaksparsh, but we did.

Why do we presume that all Bollywood is about is toned bodies and westernised filmmaking?"u00a0