Abhay reminds me more of Dharam Paaji than Sunny or Bobby: Sunil Bohra

Most cineastes consider Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Satyakam to be Dharmenda’s finest performance ever, and Dharmendra agrees completely. A study of excessive idealism in the face of growing corruption and compromise Satyakam is also considered by many as the director Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s finest film ever. Now this 1969 classic is all set to be remade. Producer Sunil Bohra acquired the remake rights this week after months of searching for the producer. Bohra finally located the producer in London. Recounting the chase for what Bohra considers to be one of the most important Hindi films of post-Independence India, the ecstatic producer says, “I feel Satyakam is a film that has amazing relevance in today’s times. I had to get the remake rights. Problem was, how? The producer Sher Jung Singh Panchi was untraceable. I eventually got to know he is Dharam Paaji’s brother-in-law. I tracked the producer down in London. Searching for him took months, negotiating for Satyakam took just half an hour. And the deal was done! Sher Jung Singhji was glad I wanted to remake Satyakam. He also feels the film’s theme of idealism and corruption has tremendous relevance today.” The young actor chosen to play Dharamji’s imperishable role as the ideologue who would rather perish than compromise with his ideals is none other than Dharamji’s nephew Abhay Deol. Says Sunil Bohra, “There’s something very upright and innocent about Abhay. He reminds me more of Dharam Paaji than Sunny or Bobby.” The film goes on the floors early next year. Interestingly Satyakam is one among Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s many films to be remade. Recently Hrishida’s Gol Maal was contemporized by Rohit Shetty in Bol Bachchan. Hrishida’s Khubsoorat is being remade by Anil Kapoor’s production house. Hrishida’s Chupke Chupke is being remade with David Dhawan as director.