'BAGHBAN' - HEMA MALINI'S COMEBACK?

BR Chopra is set to make a comeback after twenty years with the huge family drama ‘Baghban’. The Multi talented director, who is the eldest brother of Yash Chopra, is most remembered for classic hits such as ‘Waqt’, ‘Naya Daur’ and ‘Pati Patni aur Woh’ and memorable TV serials such as ‘Mahabarat’ and ‘Ramayana’. The legendary movie mogul founded B.R films in 1955 and is one of India’s most respected filmmakers of all time.

The film stars Bollywood Legend Amitabh Bachchan, who will be reunited with the director after more than a decade. Ravi Chopra- son of BR Chopra and Nephew of Yash Chopra has directed this huge multi- starrer, which also stars Mahima Choudhary and heartthrob Salman Khan.

The Dream Girl of the 1970s Hema Malini, is also set to make a sensational comeback to the silver screen in this big budget movie. She made her acting debut in 1968 in the film 'Sapnon Ka Saudagar' and went on to star in massive hits such as 'Sholay', 'Seeta aur Geeta' and ' Trishul and Dharmatma'.

Fans of the Big B and Malini will be in for a treat, as they will see both stars light up the screen with their sizzling chemistry, which is even more riveting than twenty years ago when they last appeared together. The real life rapport between Amitabh and Salman, who play father and son in the movie, is also clearly evident

Salman is currently on a winning streak after the recent success of ‘Tere Naam’ and is clearly on his way to re-establishing himself as a serious actor following the collapse of his high profile homicide case. This will be the first time Salman will be working with Mr Bachchan. Apart from this big budget film, he also has a string of great projects lined up including ‘Dil Churake Chal Diye’ with Shilpa Shetty.

Aadesh Shivastava is the music composer for the film and has produced an impressive soundtrack. The music maestro has even managed to rope in the Big B himself to sing his heart out on four songs- one of them being ‘Chali Chali’. Other hummable songs include ‘Pehle Kabhi’, which is a conventional romantic song focusing on Salman Khan and Mahima Choudhary.

‘Baghban’ is expecting to take huge collections at the box office and If you were mesmerised by Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum, then prepare yourself for this star- studded movie, which is tipped to be the biggest hit since ‘Devdas’.

SYNOPSIS

'Baghban' is the story of Raj Malhotra and his family - his wife Pooja and his four sons. Just like a gardener (Baghban) who plants a tree and tends it in the hope that he will be able to bask in its shade when he grows old, Raj & Pooja have raised their family who are now nicely settled in their respective professions.

Their life is filled with love and prosperity, and all this has be possible because Raj has invested all his income, including his provident fund and gratuity (pension), in his children. Raj believes that his sons are the assets he needs to secure his future.

But when Raj retires, life suddenly changes. None of the four sons are ready to take responsibility for their parents, to the extent that Raj & Pooja have to depend on the kindness of strangers. How Raj Malhotra, through strife and hardship, overcomes this turmoil and emerges a winner is core theme of 'Baghban'.

It is a story that asks a question from society....."If a man makes you walk the first step....why can't you help him walk the last step?".

Baghban raises the vital question - can you depend on your family?

For more information on the film and its stars, please visit the official website at www.baghbanthefilm.com.

The film releases on the 3rd October 2003 in UK cinemas nationwide.