Subhash Ghai on not directing Sanjay Dutt's Khalnayak sequel: 'Don't want to remake my own film'

Sanjay Dutt and Subhash Ghai

Subhash Ghai and Sanjay Dutt's 1993 iconic film Khalnayak is all set to return to the big screens. The actor confirmed the sequel a few days back, with Ghai praising him for his efforts. Now, Subhash Ghai has revealed the real reason behind not directing the sequel. He revealed he does not want to remake his own film and shared that he will work on the film as creative producer.

Subhash Ghai on Khalnayak sequel

Speaking to Bombay Times, Ghai shared insights into how the project came together and why he chose to step back from directing duties. "Sanju was passionate about making this sequel for years. Even during his time in jail, he had written to me saying, ‘Uncle, I want to make this film'. So, I sent him the concept and story. If you ask me, no one can make this film the way I did. However, I don't want to remake my own film; besides, I am 80 now. I told Sanju, ‘If you are so keen, why don't you produce it yourself, and I can be your creative producer'. I am sure he will find the right director for the film and announce it soon."

Opening up about his bond with Dutt, he said, "Sanju is like my son, so I will do it for him. I also did one for Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. I cherish the relationships I have built in the industry over the years. There are distributors who stood by me even when some of my films didn't work."

Sanjay Dutt on Khalnayak

It was on April 24 when Sanjay announced that Khalnayak Returns will be a ‘fresh interpretation' of the 1993 original, which also stars Madhuri Dixit Nene and Jackie Shroff.

Sanjay has acquired the rights to his film Khal Nayak and called it a long-cherished dream to revive the film's legacy. Talking about the collaboration, Sanjay on Friday said in a statement: "‘Khal Nayak' is a film that is close to my heart and even today it's remembered with fondness. It's been a long-cherished dream of mine to be able to revive this film and hence we have legally acquired the rights for it."

He thanked Ghai and the team of Mukta Arts for entrusting him with this legacy.