Sridevi became star because of Himmatwala: Sajid Khan

Director Sajid Khan, who is looking forward to the Friday release of his film Himmatwala - the official remake of the 1983 blockbuster of the same name, says it was the original film that catapulted veteran actress Sridevi to stardom.

"Sridevi became a star because of Himmatwala. I think that Himmatwala was no less than a Mughal-E-Azam for her," Sajid told the PTI. The official remake of original Himmatwala, which had actors Jeetendra and Sridevi in the lead, casts Ajay Devgn and South actress Tamanna.

"I personally don't know Sridevi, so I didn't speak with her about the film. I had a word with Jeetuji (Jeentendra) two days before I started shooting the film. He was glad to know that I am directing the film. He said I was the right person to make the film, as according to him, I understood this genre very well. He also blessed me," Sajid said.

However, Sajid prefers his film to be called as a "rewrite" and not a "remake" in general sense of the word. "Himmatwala is one of my top five favourite Bollywood films. I am very fortunate that my name is associated with the movie. The film is a rewrite, and not a remake, based on the original film. The essence of the original film is there in my version, but my treatment is completely different," he said.

"These kinds of films were prevalent only during the 80's. There was over-the-top heroism, the protective brother, a mother giving fiery dialogues to the villain. These kinds of films haven't been made in many years. We don't see such kind of scenes. That is why I decided to make this film," the director said.

When asked if the audience was willing to enter the groove of the bygone era, Sajid quipped that the melodrama has been kept alive by Ekta Kapoor, "Thanks to Ekta Kapoor. The melodrama has still been alive. The only thing is that it has moved from films to television. I am sure it will work in our films if it is rightly shown," he said.

PTI