Why does Sadiq Khan want an ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ Remake?

Sadiq Khan shared that he wants Bollywood to remake the classic hit Amar Akbar Anthony (1977). The film was directed by Manmohan Desai.

Amar Akbar Anthony follows the story of the three titular brothers. They are separated at childhood and go on to lead different lives.

The classic stars Vinod Khanna (Amar Khanna), Rishi Kapoor (Akbar Ilahabadi) and Amitabh Bachchan (Anthony Gonsalves).

A highlight of the plot is that the three of them end up following different faiths, despite being born in the same family.

Sadiq Khan explained that this is the reason why a remake of the film would be apt for London.

He said: “I have a proposal to Bollywood.

“Please redo Amar Akbar Anthony in the UK because we have a Christian king, a Muslim mayor, and a Hindu Prime Minister.

“I’d get to play Amitabh Bachchan’s part!”

Mr Khan grew up in Tooting, London, which is an ethnically diverse residential area in the south of London.

He delved into London’s popularity as a filming location for Bollywood films:

“London is the number one place for Bollywood films to be filmed and for people to come and invest in.

“I’m looking forward to Indians coming here as students, as tourists, as investors, and for locations for Bollywood movies.

“One of the reasons why London is the greatest city in the world is because Indians have chosen to make it their home.

“These are Londoners who have gone on to become doctors, business people, politicians, chemists, pharmacists, scientists, journalists and so forth.

“Our diversity is a strength. London is a place where you can fulfil your potential. I call it the London Promise.”

A range of popular Bollywood films have been shot in London.

These include Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012).

Amar Akbar Anthony was one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of its time.

Amitabh Bachchan’s role as Anthony Gonsalves proved immensely popular with his rapid dialogue.

For the film, Amitabh also won the ‘Best Actor’ accolade at the 1978 Filmfare Awards.

The film also featured Shabana Azmi (Lakshmi), Parveen Babi (Jenny) and Neetu Singh (Salma) as love interests for the three men.

Nirupa Roy starred as the mother Bharati, while Pran essayed the father Kishanlal.

Sadiq Khan called the cult film “a classic” with “a great story”.