Amitabh to do a cameo in ‘Zanjeer’ remake

Of all actors, Amitabh Bachchan’s movies top the remakes wish list for filmmakers today. However while remaking ‘Don’ or ‘Agneepath’, its makers, say sources, never took the Big B into confidence. In fact, while most people assumed Abhishek Bachchan would be offered the lead role in the new ‘Agneepath’ considering it was produced by good friend Karan Johar, the latter took Hrithik Roshan instead.

However, Apoorva Lakhia who is currently remaking the classic ‘Zanjeer’, is different. He has not only sought the Bachchans’ consent before starting his project, he even offered the main role of inspector Vijay to Abhishek. Though Abhi declined the film saying he didn’t want to be directly compared to his father, Apoorva didn’t give up.

Along with producer Amit Mehra, son of the last Prakash Mehra who made the original Zanjeer, Apoorva approached Big B to do a cameo in his film. As the ‘Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost’ director said in an interview, “I can’t dream of remaking ‘Zanjeer’ without Mr Bachchan, Jayaji and Abhishek’s participation. The project has their blessing and support. Beyond that, it's too early to say anything.”

The new leading man of ‘Zanjeer’ is Telugu star Ram Charan Teja who is naturally excited to bag the project. Lakhia, sources say, has even written a scene where the new and old Vijay come together.

The original ‘Zanjeer’ was released in the early ‘70s and starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Pran. It was an iconic role which catapulted Amitabh into the top league.