No Mallika this time 
By Taran Adarsh, July 27, 2005 - 04:48 IST
Here's one development that's sure to catch you by surprise!
Govind Menon, who 're-discovered' and 're-launched' hot bod Reema Lamba as Mallika Sherawat in the smooch-fest KHWAHISH and repeated her in subsequent films like KIS KIS KI KISMAT and BACHKE REHNA RE BABA, has decided not to work with the actor in his next film at least.
“Please don't look for controversies,” Menon laughs aloud, but gets serious soon enough, “It's just that I've done three films with her and need to move on. Mallika has been co-operation personified all through. Besides, the films demanded a glamorous actor, hence the need to cast her for those projects. But I am attempting something different now.”
There were whispers that the director and actor fell apart during the making of BACHKE REHNA RE BABA. “We continue to share a good rapport. Had Mallika been upset, she wouldn't have gone out of her way to promote the film even after its release,” he states.
But Rekha did stay away from all pre-release promotions, didn't she? Reportedly, the veteran was upset since Menon gave more importance to Mallika in the film. “Rekha is an icon. I've grown up watching Rekha and Dharmendra [Menon cast him in his earlier film KIS KIS KI KISMAT] movies and always nursed this ambition to work with them some day. How could I possibly ignore a diva? BACHKE REHNA RE BABA is more of a Rekha film, than Mallika's,” he defends himself.
Menon also defends the kind of movies he makes, which lay more emphasis on hot bods, smooches and skin show. “I am here to make commercial films, not to cater to some hard-nosed critics. And for every film-maker, the box-office outcome of a film is more important than the glowing reviews in the media,” he states matter-of-factly.
So, what is he attempting next? “PAGE 3 has opened gates for film-makers and I am attempting a film of this genre. It's a realistic film, something that I've always wanted to attempt, but couldn't do so due to commercial restraints. But with the moviegoers embracing PAGE 3, I've had the courage to steer in that direction,” he smiles.
Menon hasn't finalized the casting yet. “That's because I am still in the process of writing the script. I guess, the cast will fall into place the moment I am ready with the paperwork,” he adds.
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