MUMBAI: Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan announced on Thursday that he is to star in an official Hindi-language remake of hit American movie “Forrest Gump.”
Khan will play the role of Laal Singh Chaddha, based on Tom Hanks’s character in the 1994 multiple-award-winning US classic.
“I have always loved ‘Forrest Gump’ as a script. It is a life-affirming story. It is a feel-good film. It is a film for the whole family,” Khan told reporters in Mumbai on his 54th birthday.
“Forrest Gump” won six Oscars, including best picture, best director and best actor for Hanks.
The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and was based on Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same name.
It centers on the life of a dim-witted but kind man whose life mirrors key events in America in the 20th century.
Khan, who last appeared in box office flop “Thugs of Hindostan,” said he would lose 20 kilograms (45 pounds) for the role.
“I have to be lean and slim,” he explained, adding that shooting would start in October.
Hollywood blockbusters have long inspired the Mumbai-based Hindi film industry.
Action-thriller “Kaante” (2002) was influenced by Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” while “Sarkar” (2005) was likened to “The Godfather” and “Chachi 420” was similar to “Mrs Doubtfire,” although they weren’t official remakes.
Khan’s adaptation of “Forrest Gump” is expected to hit screens next year. Khan said the rights to the movie were bought from Paramount.
An official remake of 2014 Hollywood film “The Fault in Our Stars” is also in the works.
Aamir Khan to star in Bollywood ‘Forrest Gump’ remake
Aamir Khan to star in Bollywood ‘Forrest Gump’ remake
- Aamir Khan will play the role of Laal Singh Chaddha, based on Tom Hanks’s character in the 1994 multiple-award-winning US classic
- Aamir Khan’s adaptation of ‘Forrest Gump’ is expected to hit screens next year
Mohamed Abdo rings in New Year with landmark Saudi celebration in London
- Abdo performs 16 of his most beloved songs over 4 hours
- He lauds ‘genius choice’ of first Saudi-led New Year show
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s music icon Mohamed Abdo welcomed the New Year with a historic sold-out concert in London, marking what organizers described as the first Kingdom-led celebration in the UK capital.
Organized by Global Gala, the event drew more than 1,400 people, with Saudis traveling from the Kingdom and across Europe to attend.
There were also local fans, underscoring the wide appeal of the evening and the growing international presence of Saudi Arabia’s cultural events.
The concert was held at the Great Room at Grosvenor House, a venue of particular significance for Abdo because it was the same location where he first performed in London.
Tickets sold out rapidly following the show’s announcement. The organizers said the strong response reflected both Abdo’s enduring popularity and the anticipation surrounding a Saudi-led New Year’s event abroad.
When asked about the timing of the concert, Abdo praised the organizers’
decision to stage the event on New Year’s Eve, describing it as a “genius choice” that aligned naturally with the spirit of welcoming a new year.
Over the course of four hours, Abdo performed 16 songs, spanning decades of his career.
The audience responded warmly throughout the night, particularly during well-known tracks including “Al Amaken,” “Ashofak Kil Youm,” and “Majmouat Insan.”
The audience included prominent figures from the worlds of entertainment, media and public life.
