"I am not making Andaz Apna Apna sequel": Raj Kumar Santoshi

The prolific Raj Santoshi who is ready to release his comic actioner Phata Poster Nikla Hero is appalled and 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 because the film’s producer has the rights. Immersed in sending off prints of his film overseas Santoshi protests, “First of all, if I want to make a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna there is no hurdle in the way. The producer Mr 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 prolific and versatile director whose films are as far-ranging as the serious-toned Lajja to the spoofy Ajab PremKi 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 am filled with new ideas and new 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?”