Cloud over

Alas! All the workouts and grooming that music-director-turned-singer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya is forcing on himself might go waste. That's because the remake of "Karz" for which Himesh is sweating out might be shelved or its script totally changed. The makers of the film have recently found out that the plot of "Om Shanti Om", which is being touted as the year's biggest blockbuster, is similar to the original "Karz".

A source informed: "T-series paid a very large sum to Subhash Ghai for the copyrights of "Karz" but now they are having second thoughts about the project. The much-hyped "Om Shanti Om" has a plot very similar to "Karz" and the buzz is that it is going to be the blockbuster of the year." T-series is in a state of panic now and is busy searching for another script. After all, they can't take the chance of dishing out to the audiences something similar to "Om Shanti Om". Who would be interested in watching the same melodrama over and over again?

The source sympathises with Himesh saying: "It is sad. Himesh is working a lot to fit into that character. He has been sweating out to lose weight so that he can look convincing as a singer and a dancer in the movie. He has become very conscious about his diet and is very excited about the film."

The only option now left with T-series is to wait and watch. Only after the release of "Om Shanti Om" can they decide whether or not to remake "Karz" and if yes, what changes need to be incorporated in it. But then, it might be a tad too late to make major alterations to the script.

The "Karz" remake has been in news for some or the other reason right from the start. Initially, rumours did the rounds that Hannsikka Motwani would play Tina Munim's role, while Sushmita Sen does a Simi Garewal. Later, Urmila Matondkar was approached and approved for Simi's role.

Thankfully, Himesh doesn't have to lose heart. He has work in hand in the form of a yet-to-be-titled movie by the director of "Sarfarosh", where he is playing a tapori. Of course, there couldn't be a substitute to watching a slim and swank Himesh swaying his hips a la Rishi Kapoor. For the actor's fans, especially the girls, that would be a big treat indeed. (SAMPURN)