`Maherchi Sadi` won`t have takers if its redone now: Ashalata

Panaji: Veteran Marathi actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar, who was part of 1991 mega blockbuster `Maherchi Sadi`, feels the movie cannot be recreated in the current context though the topic is still relevant.

The 73-year-old actress said people could not believe that the movie, starring Vikram Gokhale and Alka Kubal among others, was exhibited for 75 weeks in 1991 breaking box-office records. "Nobody can believe that `Maherchi Sadi` was screened for 75 weeks. It broke all the records including that of `Sholay`. The shows were starting as early as 6 am and they were housefull," the actress said. The film was scripted on a family drama based on hugely successful Rajasthani film `Bai Chali Sasariye` and later remade in Hindi as `Saajan Ka Ghar` with Juhi Chawla and Rishi Kapoor. It was the highest grossing Marathi film at that time collecting Rs six crore in first three months. "You can`t get the same response if its redone now. That phase has gone. Media is more big now though the topic of movie is still relevant. Now movies handle different subjects. Now people won`t like a movie which is the sad-kind. But the movie that time worked extraordinarily," she said. Ashalata would be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming Goa Marathi Film Festival on June 6 here. "I am more happy because I am getting the honour in Goa," said the actress who hails from the coastal state and now settled in Mumbai. "The honour should have come earlier. But I am happy at least they remembered me. Its a satisfying feeling," she added.