Speculation surrounding a remake of the 1989 hit Chaalbaaz has gained traction in recent weeks, with Janhvi Kapoor’s name emerging as a strong contender for the lead. Producer Boney Kapoor, however, has clarified
that while several producers are pursuing his daughter for the project, discussions remain at a very early stage.
Four producers interested in Janhvi Kapoor for Chaalbaaz remake
Boney Kapoor confirmed that multiple parties have expressed interest in casting Janhvi in the iconic double role originally played by her mother, Sridevi. “I have no idea. There are many people who’ve been wanting to do Chaalbaaz with Janhvi. I don’t know if she’s made any commitment. But for sure there were more than three people who were after her to do it. And the fourth person was me,” Kapoor told ETimes.
Kapoor also talked about the difficulty of revisiting the film. “It is not an easy film to do. We’ve to upscale it, modernise it, and make it today’s film,” he explained.
Previous attempts and shelved projects
The film has been the subject of several remake discussions in the past. At one point, a version titled Chaalbaaz in London with Shraddha Kapoor was announced but has since been shelved. Responding to questions about that project, Kapoor stated, “I can’t comment on that.”
He further revealed that another remake attempt was once considered with Deepika Padukone in the lead role. “I know for sure that even at one point I was keen, in fact, I was keen to do it with Deepika (Padukone). But it didn’t materialise,” he recalled.
Too early for confirmation
Despite the mounting buzz, Kapoor maintained that nothing is finalised. “The chatter around Janhvi is too premature. And I have not even yet spoken to Janhvi because I’ve been travelling. I’m in Delhi right now. So now there are people, and producers who are keen to do it with Janhvi,” he said, stressing that the remake is still only at the discussion stage.
As per Bollywood Hungama, a source close to the development had earlier shared, “For Janhvi, Chaalbaaz is a lot more than just a film. It’s an emotion. She has jumped onto the chance of playing the lead role in Chaalbaaz, but is treading this with utmost caution.”
“She is taking opinions from people around her for the Chaalbaaz remake. She is excited, but is also wary of all the comparisons. She is expected to take a call on the Chaalbaaz remake by the end of September,” the source further added.
