The veteran actor will be seen in a newer version of the 1961 film, which will be penned by a French-Afghan writer.
Actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, has been approached by French-Afghan writer Atiq Rahimi for a contemporary take on the 1961 film, Kabuliwala. The movie was the big screen adaptation of author-poet Rabindranath Tagore’s acclaimed short story by the same name.
“Mr Rahimi wants me to act in the movie which will have the same script but will be set in the Afghanistan of today,” he smiles. When asked can we expect this film soon, he says, “Waqt se pehle aur kismet se zyada expect nahi karna chahiye. It’ll happen in due time.” Keeping the actor’s comfort in mind, the film will be shot in India. Kumar adds that the movie will have a universal appeal and will cater to audiences in both India and Afghanistan.
Known for his patriotic movies, the actor has earned the moniker of Mr Bharat. He was recently honoured by the ministry of information and culture of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for his contribution to cinema. “They came home and presented me with the award. It was like a token of love and respect for me and I am very touched,” says the veteran actor. “Receiving an award from a country that is itself going through turmoil is a big honour .”
Born in Abbottabad in the North-Western Frontier which is now in Pakistan, Kumar can also speak Pashto and has visited Afghanistan on a number of occasions. He is also looking forward to making films with his Afghani counterparts.
Kumar has decided to publish a book that will contain all his writings and screenplays. Currently he in the process of finalising the star cast of his upcoming film Judgment. “Pandal lag gayi hai, halwai bhi aa gaye hain, bus dulha aur dulhan mil gaye, toh ban jayegi film,” he smiles.
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