Urmila to play Simi's role in 'Karz' remake

Sep 1, 2007 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Sep 1 (IANS) Satish Kaushik, who is directing a "Karz" remake, says Urmila Matondkar is the apt choice to play the role of a mysterious and sensuous woman immortalised by Simi Garewal in Subhash Ghai's musical blockbuster.

"For Simi Garewal's role, we needed someone regal, haughty, mysterious and sensuous - a stylish woman living alone in an ivory tower. Urmila fits the bill perfectly," Kaushik told IANS.

Kaushik also clarified that no actors other than Urmila and Himesh Reshammiya, who is also composing the music, had been finalised yet.

Reshammiya is working very hard on the sound of the new "Karz", but the recording, contrary to reports, won't start until October.

What about all those reports about Reshammiya and Sameer meeting up in Singapore?

"Of course, I was in Singapore but not for the recording. Why should I record the songs of 'Karz' in a foreign country? I was actually there for a concert. Now I'm back in Mumbai. I've already prepared the songs of 'Karz'. But the recording is still some way to go."

The "Karz" album is expected to feature seven songs. "But it can go up to eight," said Sameer, the film's lyricist.

"I did join him in Singapore for the music of 'Karz' but not to record. We were there for jamming sessions. Believe me, Himesh has done a mind-blowing job of the music. We'll begin recording in October," clarified Sameer.

Right now, Sameer is looking forward to the release of his songs on "Saawariya" Sep 13.

Kaushik, who has just left for Bangkok, has been unable to make progress with the "Karz" project because of bereavement in the family.

But he is more than satisfied with Reshammiya's compositions.

Kaushik said: "I can tell you Himesh's soundtrack will be every bit as pulsating as Laxmikant-Pyarelal's in the original. I've grown up on the music of LP and I made Himesh do an LP-style score in 'Tere Naam'.

"When I heard Himesh's compositions for 'Karz', I was blown away. In fact, it was those songs that clinched the deal for me. After hearing the songs, there was no question of not doing the film."