Official remakes of Mili, Koshish and Bawarchi — three classic Bollywood films featuring Jaya Bachchan — were announced by Jaadugar Films and SRS Productions on Wednesday.

Abir Sengupta and Anushree Mehta of Jaadugar Films, makers of the ZEE5 original film Mrs. Undercover (2023), have joined hands with Sameer Raj Sippy of SRS Productions to create modern adaptations of the Hindi-language films, originally produced under the banner of N.C. Sippy in the 1970s. The cast and crew of the remakes will be announced soon.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be setting upon this magical journey of making three of our all-time favourite movies in a new form and mould. It is a huge responsibility as Koshish, Bawarchi and Mili are celebrated in India and across the globe which have been made by the legendary Gulzar Saab and Hrishi da who have set the standards of filmmaking for generations to come,” said Anushree Mehta and Abir Sengupta in a joint statement.

“These are the films we have grown up on and they are the stories that the new generation should also witness; to know our rich cinematic legacy. We endeavour to put our best to live up to the expectations, the responsibility and most importantly remake these films which will touch the audiences hearts far and wide,” their statement reads.

Sameer Raj Sippy, who is also the grandson of N.C. Sippy, said classic stories should be remade with a modern outlook to enrich the cinegoing experience. “I feel movies are about defining moments, interesting enough to share with people, and that’s why I think it’s time we take classic stories and bring them in today’s scenario, with a newer and modern outlook. And that’s the intention behind revisiting Bawarchi, Mili and Koshish.”

“Coming from a legendary family of film makers, and being inspired by the family business, I now want to continue this legacy that has been handed down by my grandfather N. C. Sippy, my uncle Romu Sippy and my father Raj Sippy,” he added.

The 1972 film Koshish, directed by Gulzar, paid homage to the Japanese film Happiness of Us Alone (1961). Starring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan (née Bhaduri), it depicted the inspiring journey of a deaf-and-mute couple who defy the odds to lead a life filled with dignity.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Bawarchi (1972), itself a remake of Tapan Sinha's 1966 Bengali-language film Galpo Holeo Satti, featured Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Bachchan. It showcased how a talented domestic help inspires and brings the members of a dysfunctional middle-class family closer to each other.

Mili (1975) is yet another Hrishikesh Mukherjee film, headlined by Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, that explores the blossoming romance between a depressed alcoholic and his cheerful neighbour, Mili. However, their relationship is overshadowed by Mili’s terminal illness.