Rajkumar Santoshi on Andaz Apna Apna re-release, “The love and devotion the film has collected over the years is beyond anything”

By Subhash K. Jha -

February 13, 2025 - 12:00 PM IST

In the season of re-releases, the latest to join the list is Rajkumar Santoshi’s classic comedy Andaz Apna Apna. Starring Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Shakti Kapoor, among others, the film was a madcap laugh riot that continues to keep the audience in splits. In an interview with us, Santoshi spoke about the good news of the film’s re-release and other things.

Rajkumar Santoshi on Andaz Apna Apna re-release, “The love and devotion the film has collected over the years is beyond anything”

Your most popular film Andaz Apna Apna is making a comeback to movie theatres this April
Yes, Priti Sinha (daughter of Andaz Apna Apna producer Vinay Sinha) called me to inform that they are planning to re-release 500 prints. I am very happy, of course. Why wouldn’t I be? The love and devotion that the film has collected over the years is beyond anything I’ve seen. Now, all those who love the film and were not there when it was first released, would be able to see and enjoy it on the big screen.

Is it your favourite film from your repertoire?
It is my most popular film for sure. But I have other favourites. I like my work in most of my films including Ghayal, Ghatak, Khakee and Lajja, which I know is your favourite. Andaz Apna Apna is special for two reasons.

And they are?
One, because we had so much fun shooting it. I still remember Aamir, Salman, Karisma, Raveena, Paresh Rawal, Shakti Kapoor, Viju Khote, all of us would be in splits while shooting the scenes. Our cinematographer Ishwar Bidri would laugh so much we had to sometimes stop the shooting and wait for Ishwar to control himself.

Would you be promoting the re-release?
I don’t know. Right now, I am totally into the post-production of my new film Lahore 1947, which Aamir Khan has produced. It has turned out really well, if I may say so myself. You would like it as much as Lajja, if not more.

Which are your other films you would like re-released?
Lajja for sure. I feel we came with that too ahead of times. I think its theme of women’s empowerment would be far more acceptable in today’s day and age.

There is revival culture in our cinemas lately. Sanam Teri Kasam is doing phenomenal business. Do you think people are going back to the classics as they are disillusioned with the new releases?
Is Sanam Teri Kasam a classic? For whatever reason, people should and must see films in movie theatres. I believe laughter can never go out of fashion. Most fans of Andaz Andaz Apna agree it is the funniest film

Any hope of a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna?
I am happy to tell you we have almost cracked the idea for a sequel. We will be making an announcement soon. You would be the first to know.

Also Read: Rajkumar Santoshi’s Salman Khan – Aamir Khan starrer Andaz Apna Apna to re-release in April after Sanam Teri Kasam’s success