Actress Hema Malini and director Ramesh Sippy together gave hits such as Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay. The two are teaming up again after over four decades for a romantic comedy. Bollwyood’s Dream Girl says this could be “another important film in my career”.
Titled Shimla Mirchi, the film will tell the story of a single mother, played by Malini, and her daughter (Rakul Preet Singh), who fall in love with the same man.
“In the midst of all that is happening in Parliament and my constituency [Mathura], this film offer came to me. Normally, I wouldn’t have said yes, given my gruelling schedule and obligations in my constituency. But this film is not the usual run-of-the-mill stuff,” said Malini.
She fell in love with the script. “It’s a light-hearted comedy with a very unusual role for me. I am sure it will turn out to be something very special. Also, the offer came from Ramesh-ji who is returning to direction after many years. I couldn’t say no to him.
“Some of my most important films, be it Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta or Sholay have been with Ramesh-ji. I get a feeling this new film with Ramesh-ji would be another important film in my career.”
Their last film together was the 1972 hit comedy, Sita Aur Geeta, about twin sisters.
How does she intend to find time to shoot for Shimla Mirchi? “Just like I’m doing everything in my life,” she said.
“I have to eat and sleep on time, and properly. That is non-negotiable,” she said.
“Everything I’ve wanted has been mine. I wanted my two daughters to be happily married. When Esha and Ahana got married, I didn’t get two sons-in-law. I got two sons. My two sons-in-law are the sons I never had.”
Sippy’s last highly-acclaimed directorial venture was the 1985 release Saagar, which marked the comeback of Dimple Kapadia.
Shimla Mirchi starts filming in mid-September.
