Nivedita Basu on Lamhe completing 32 years: It’s a little late to make a sequel
Late filmmaker Yash Chopra’s Lamhe has completed 32 years since its release. Producer Nivedita Basu, VP Content and Business Alliance, Atrangii TV, says that while she loved the film, making a sequel is not the best idea.
“I am a huge Anil Kapoor fan. Anil Kapoor and Shri Devi were in Mr. India and then they were in Lamhe so two totally different films and genres but the way it was portrayed was amazing. It’s a little late these days to make a sequel to Lamhe. The sequels are made for the films which are relevant now. Even the Gadar sequel has been made quite late in the day but there are more films which have shown an older man and a younger girl vice versa which has been received well. So sequels are usually made of the generation who have stayed in the generation and want to see a sequel but so many years down it’s like who has seen Lambe in the present generation,” she says.
The film was initially criticised and then widely acclaimed for the relationships that it portrayed. The film shows a younger man falling for an older woman and a younger girl developing feelings for an older man. Talking about the same, she says, “I believe it's wonderful that media exposure helps open people's minds. We've witnessed these relationships thriving in India as well. Abroad, we had seen similar scenarios, and nobody really objected; in fact, it was openly discussed. However, I've observed these discussions only in the Indian context. I'm unsure if, back in Hollywood, they discussed a 60-year-old man marrying a young girl. Nevertheless, in India, it was a significant topic. Now, I think people have crossed that boundary. Just look at Shahid and Mira, or Kareena and Saif—they are doing exceptionally well, enjoying success and happiness. Age doesn't seem to be a barrier. It's almost become a given.
The acceptance of such relationships owes much to the influence of media and films. This is why I'm a huge fan of films, and I wish them continued success. With so many films doing well, cinema is thriving. Consider the positive impact it has on people's mindsets and their beliefs. It's a fantastic idea. Kudos to Yash Chopra for making 'Lamhe' back then and having such a futuristic view. Today, it still holds true and stands successfully. Congratulations to them on completing so many years!”