Ramesh Sippy makes a comeback after 25 Years with Shimla Mirchi

30 Dec 2019

In a suddenturn of events, producers Viacom 18 have decided to releasethelong-delayedHemaMalini RajkummarRao Rakul Preet Singhstarrer ShimlaMirchi.The film about a romantic relationship betweena young man and an older woman played byRaoandHema, wasshot in 2014. Thefilm then got into seriousproduction issues and wasshelved for all practical purposes. Apity since ShimlaMirchi was the great Sholay directorRameshSippysfirstdirectorial venture in25 years. Thesuper-giftedRameshSippylast directed ZamaanaDeewana with ShahRukhKhan andRaveenaTandonin 1995. Thefilm was a disaster and thedirector of suchneo-classics as SeetaAurGeeta , Sholay , Shakti and Saagar went into aself-imposedhibernation. Only to return in 2014. When ShimlaMirchi was completed andremained unreleased,RameshSippysadly said, I dont think that film is goingto get released. Happily,Sippywas wrong. The filmsleading ladyHemaMalini,who has not been seen on screen since AmanKeFarishtey in 2016 is surprisedto know aboutthe suddenreleaseof ShimlaMirchi.The unbeatable director-actress combo ofRameshSippyandHemaMalinicreated history three times over with Andaz , SeetaAurGeeta and Sholay.Would they again generate the same hysteria with their fourth outing together in ShimlaMirchi ? SaysHema, I am working withRameshjiafter nearly 40 years. But it seems like just the other. We picked up the threads of our association as if the big time-gap didnt happen in-between. He is very mischievous with me. There is a glint in his eyes and a secret smile that havent faded with time. He is still the same. Shooting withRameshjiagain was l a lot of fun. Lets see if this time around we again emerge with something special.Rameshjihas given me another very important role in ShimlaMirchi .Rameshjiinsisted. And when I heard the script I knew why. At my age actresses dont get such important roles that easily.