No 'Andaz Apna Apna' sequel! confirms Raj Kumar Santoshi

Raj Kumar Santoshi is bewildered by reports that he is all set to make a sequel to his 1994 comedy Andaz Apna Apna, and that he’s unable to do so because the film’s producer has the rights.

He protests, “First of all, if I want to make a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna there is no hurdle in the way. The producer Vinay Sinha is a gentleman. I have a letter of consent from him to go ahead with the sequel whenever I want to.”

However Santoshi just doesn’t want to attempt a sequel to the cult comedy. “I don’t see the need to go into that subject again.

Contrary to reports, I am not working on a subject for a sequel. I don’t even have an idea for a sequel! Why would I attempt something that is for now a closed chapter for me?”

The director whose films are as far-ranging as the serious-toned Lajja to the spoofy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani says he has many new stories to tell. “If I wanted to cash in on the long-lasting popularity of Andaz Apna Apna, I’d have done so years ago. And why only a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna? Why not Damini 2, Ghayal 2 or Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani 2? I have many new ideas and stories. I don’t need to return to a world I created long ago.”

Santoshi, however, reiterates that he is the architect of the word he created in Andaz Apna Apna. “The story idea, characters and plot were mine. Why wouldn’t I be allowed to continue the story? If I’ve built one floor in a house why can’t I build another storey?” His Phata Poster Nikla Hero releases this week.