The epic 1987 superhit film Mr India will be completing 35 years on May 25th, and actor Satish Kaushik says it was not easy to work on the film as there was not enough technology available at that time. Touted as Bollywood’s first sci-fi film, Mr India starred Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri as the famous villain Mogambo, and Satish Kaushik as Calendar. The film went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1987.
“I can write books on it. I was a part of the film since it was written,” Satish Kaushik said.
While talking about Mr India remake, the actor said, “It’s an iconic movie and I can’t imagine anyone doing it. I am sure people must have thought of remaking it, but that’s not possible. No one can do it like Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri, and me. I feel no one should try to recreate it. You can make a film on a similar story but touching any classic will be a big mistake. Stay away from Mr. India.”
He further tells us that it was a group effort and that was the reason why the film worked well at the box office. He said, “We did special effects in the film even when there was no technology available at that time. We had some great minds on the sets – Boney Kapoor, Shekhar Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Baba Azmi, Veeru Devgn, and others, that worked hard to make the film what it is. We worked together to bring the best performances.”
“We miss Sridevi and Amrish Puri so much. Not many people would know but Sridevi was running high temperature when she was shooting for the iconic song “Kaate Nahi Kat Te” in the rain. She was a dedicated actor. There are a few films in your career that you can write books on,” Satish Kaushik says while praising the late actor.
Mr India was the story of a man named Arun (Anil Kapoor), who strives to raise orphaned kids and is harassed by a gangster who is after his house. After losing one of the kids, he uses an inventor’s invisibility watch to fight crime and corruption. Directed by ace filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, the film had several memorable moments and characters like the idea of the invisible man struck a chord with the audience.
The 10 child artists played an integral part while Satish Kaushik as Calendar left everyone in splits. The film was known for several of its one-liners and songs, including Sridevi’s “Hawa Hawaii” performance, and Amrish Puri’s famous dialogue “Mogambo khush hua”.
This was the last interview that he did with MW as on March 9, 2023, he passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was in Gurugram when the actor fell uneasy and on his way to the hospital his health deteriorated. Just a day ago he had posted pictures of the Holi celebration that happened at Javed Akhtar’s residence.
(Featured Image Credits: Instagram and special arrangement)
