Amitabh Bachchan is undeniably the undisputed thespian of Indian cinema, whose popularity cuts across generations and geographical boundaries. A majority of his movies have gained cult status over the years. They have been on a must-watch list for millions of cinephiles across the globe. His films are highly sought out for remakes as well.
And now, it has come to light that Bachchan’s 1981 blockbuster Kaalia, another classic from his angry young man era, is the latest film that writer-director Tinnu Anand has been approached to remake. Yes, you heard it absolutely right!
Though Anand is not sure if he will bankroll it himself, he confirms being approached for the remake by several filmmakers. “A lot of filmmakers have approached me for remaking Kaalia. So, yeah, but I am not sure if I will produce that remake or give away its rights to someone else to take it forward,” the writer-director tells an entertainment portal.
Also starring Parveen Babi, Asha Parekh, Amjad Khan and Kader Khan in important characters, Kaalia was one of the most successful films of the year 1981. Apart from garnering great critical acclaim, the movie went on to put up a great show at the box-office also and emerged as the 8th highest grossing Indian film of 1981.
After its successful run in Bollywood, Kaalia was remade in Kannada as Huliyaada Kaala (1984) starring Tiger Prabhakar and in Tamil as Cooliekkaran (1987). Both films turned out to be box-office hits upon their release.
Rumours are also rife that Bachchan’s 1982 blockbuster Satte Pe Satta is also getting a remake. Reportedly, choreographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan is working on the remake of the cult film. She will helm it for Rohit Shetty’s production house. However, the makers are yet to announce the project officially.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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