Mansi Maroo, Producer and Project Manager of Shemaroo Pvt. Ltd., confirmed the news and validated it saying, “The decision of remaking Padosan has been a well-thought through process. Padosan being a cult and classic film, if adapted in today’s context would surely rock the screens.”

How Shemaroo portrays Padosan remains to be seen, when the film releases, which is surely not going to be soon, since the star cast comprises Sanjay Dutt. “We are well aware the reality status of Sanjay, hence we have not considered this movie for this year. However, if everything turns out well for Sanjay, then we may take it up next year. He, along with the other stars, viz., Govinda and Riteish Deshmukh have given their verbal confirmation so far and Neeraj Vora will be directing the film. Let’s hope for the best.”

Sanjay would be playing Kishore Kumar’s character ‘Vidyapathi’ and Govinda is to play Mehmood’s ‘Master Pillai’. Nonetheless, they are still on a hunt for the ideal ‘Pyaari’ aka ‘Bholi’ Bindu. Luckily, for Shemaroo, Rajshri Productions, the producers of the original Padosan, willingly gave the rights of the film. After a name like RGV Ki Aag, one simply wonders as to what Padosan would’ve been named if they didn’t get the rights?

The animated film Bal Ganesh was recently screened for kids and it received tremendous response. “The kids were a tad excited about the film. They interacted with the live mascot present during the premiere. Kids were all praise for the mascot. We have promoted the film extensively. We have a special tie-up with Crossword and McDonalds. Innovative merchandise is being given with every ‘Happy Meal’. In addition to that, mascots of Bal Ganesh will be present in multiplexes as well,” explains Mansi.

On one hand, there are releases like Jab We Met and No Smoking which are heavily publicized, doesn’t Bal Ganesh somehow lose attention in that clutter. “We have been very target-specific. Bal Ganesh is an animated film and is targeted at kids and their families. When you talk about a film like No Smoking, the kind of audience who would watch the film will not watch Bal Ganesh and vice versa. Both the audiences are different. In addition to that, we have strategically planned our prime times. A late evening show is not considered as our prime time; we are targeting the afternoon slots. Moreover, since children are done with their exams and Diwali vacations are about to begin, the timing just becomes perfect.”

The music of the film is surely star-studded if not the film. Singers from the Zee TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa have sung all the songs, along with Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher. Shamir Tondon and Sanjay Dhakan have composed the film’s music. “Lata Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar have sung together probably after 18 to 20 years. We have many expectations from the film, since we do not have competition in this genre as of now.”

What other films is Shemaroo producing? “On November 19, we will go on floors with a film to be directed by Priyadarshan. The film is a comedy film starring Akshaye Khanna, Genelia Dsouza, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav, and Archana Puran Singh. We are still looking for another senior actress to be cast opposite Paresh Rawal. However, on October 27, we are recording the first song for this film. The title of the film is yet to be decided.