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Will the Laloo magic work for Bollywood?

By K. Balchand

PATNA Nov. 25. Is the name of `Laloo Prasad Yadav', chief of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, a `mantra' for reviving the sagging Bollywood economy? Mahesh Manjrekar is all set to make a movie: Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav.

Mr. Manjrekar, whose `Vaastav' won a Filmfare award, called upon the man most copied in Hindi films and sought his permission for using his name for the title of his next motion picture, notwithstanding the fact that some who had mimicked him had got into trouble. The TV serial `Ram Khilawan CM and Family' had to be dropped and aired after a recast of the storyline.

"I'll have no problems on this count. Mine is a fun film without any political overtones," said the director-cum-actor who has 11 films to his credit.

The movie has little to do with the gifted politician, actually based on three characters, one named Laloo, the other Prasad and the third Yadav.

Of course, all three characters would draw upon his humour, presence of mind and diction.

The objective in using Mr. Yadav's name, according to Mr. Manjrekar, is that it needs no introduction in the country and the consideration is purely commercial.

While Sunil Shetty would play the role of Laloo, the director himself would perform the role of Yadav. Mr. Manjrekar is yet to decide on the third hero (Prasad).

The former Miss India-turned-actress, Diya Mirza, is slated to be Padmashree.

The film, with a medium budget of Rs. 5 crores to Rs. 6 crores, will be shot partly in Bihar, while set mostly in Mauritius. It will be released by May next.

The RJD chief gave the green signal and approved of the director playing the role of Yadav. "His hair style is the same as mine," he said. But Mr. Yadav sought to know about his copyright values, which the director smiled away.

Nevertheless, Mr. Yadav offered to make arrangements for the `muhurat' at his native village Phulwari in Gopalganj district.

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