Last film of Rajesh Khanna as ageing don to release on 29 Dec this year

Though the superstar has passed away, leaving behind memories of some outstanding movie, songs and dialogues, Rajesh Khanna’s last film Riyasat has still to hit the screens. The shooting of film, produced under the banner of Vijay Sirohi Productions and directed by Ashok Tyagi, is complete. “We are currently in the post-production phase and have decided to release it on 29 December, the birthday of the late star,” said Tyagi. But did Rajesh Khanna able to shoot his portions, he being sick for some time now? “Look, generally senior actors hog 40 per cent of the footage. And, to our good luck, Rajeshji shot all his portions.” What kind of role has the veteran actor played? “Well, for a change he has played the role of an ageing Don. His role was designed on the basis of Marlon Brando’s role in Godfather. In fact, before he could start doing the role, he asked me to get DVDs of Godfather and Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar,” Tyagi observed. “Jaate Jaate Rajesh ji yeh dikha gaye ki agar sahi role kisiko mile to kya nahin ho sakta,” the director stated. Veteran Raza Murad is also a part of the film's cast. To a query on his experience of working with Rajesh Khanna, Murad averred, “From what I had seen him while on the sets of Namak Haram, I found him a lot mellowed down now. But one thing I want to state here is that while on-camera he has done many emotional roles but off-camera, he was a stiff person; used to always remain isolated. He was a totally reserved individual.” With the demise of Rajesh Khanna, Tyagi has one major hurdle to cross. “I will need a dubbing artiste to dub Rajeshji’s portions. And knowing very well that only a handful few can replicate his inimitable style; I will really have to do a lot of head scratching. Mostly, I will approach Sudesh Bhonsle who is a fine dubbing artiste. If not him, maybe someone else,” disclosed Tyagi. Mere dost… picture Abhi Baki Hai…