Bollywood has an uncanny tendency to create trends. The latest seems to be that of veteran actresses returning to the screen as lead characters. Close on the heels of Sridevi’s successful English Vinglish, now comes news that Rekha too might sign up to play a lead character in a film based on a Gujarati play called Baa Ae Mari Boundary.
Back in 1988, the actor portrayed a housewife who transforms into a model (as part of a revenge plot) in Khoon Bhari Maang. Twenty-four years later, if things go as planned, the fifty-something actor will again play a housewife-turned- model in a film to be produced by Indra Kumar. “Things are yet to be formalised, but Rekha is certainly in talks with Indra Kumar. She likes the story of a middle-aged woman (baa) neglected by her family.
Right now, Kumar is busy with Grand Masti, but he is excited about the possibility of working with Rekha,” says an insider. Rekha was last seen in Sadiyaan (2010) along with Rishi Kapoor and Hema Malini. However, she last played a central character in duds like the multi-starrer Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamaana (2006) and Nana Patekar-starrer Yatra (2007).
Kumar is believed to have already procured rights to the play in question. Vivek Oberoi is also likely to star in the film, playing baa’s US-returned grandson. “We are 99 per cent sure that the film is happening,” says a source close to Vivek, adding, “The shooting, in all probability, will kick off early next year. A lot depends on Rekha’s availability (since she is a member of Parliament).”
Vivek has worked with Kumar in films such as Masti (2004) and Pyaare Mohan (2006), besides the under-production Grand Masti. While Rekha couldn’t be reached for a comment, Kumar says, “Right now, the discussions are at a preliminary stage. There’s no point talking about it yet. Right now, I am only concentrating on Grand Masti.”
The makers are likely to make a formal announcement soon, once the star cast and director are finalised. Recently, another Gujarati play, Kanji Virrudh Kanji, was adapted to make OMG! Oh My God.
