Date:10/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/03/10/stories/2006031002160300.htm

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The new-age `Guide'

Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan star in the remake.

VINTAGE CLIP Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman in the Hindi film `Guide'.

Farhan Akhtar is busy remaking Amitabh Bachchan's all-time hit Don with Shah Rukh Khan, while Ram Gopal Varma is finalising the cast for the new version of Sholay. Having signed Amitabh to play the role of Gabbar Singh, Ajay Devgan to act as Veeru and Mohanlal to act Sanjeev Kapoor's part, he is on the lookout for the ideal Basanti. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are shooting for J.P. Dutta's remake of Umrao Jaan. Now, add one more film to the list of remakes - The Guide.

Pritish Nandy's next project, Rahgir, is said to be loosely based on the Waheeda Rehman-Dev Anand starrer. Nandy has roped in Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan to do the honours. Rahgir will be directed by Rituparno Ghosh. Talking about Nandy, he is also keen on revisiting Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam. Last heard, there were speculations on whether Aishwarya Rai or Priyanka Chopra will be selected to act as Chotti Bahu. With leading film-makers toying with the idea of offering old wine in a new bottle, it will take a while before we know whether this move will guarantee box office success.