Last week, Sanjay Dutt announced that a sequel to Subhash Ghai's 1993 cult classic Khalnayak is in the works. Dutt will produce the film and reprise his iconic role as Ballu Balram from the original. While the director for the project has not yet been confirmed, Ghai, who helmed the original, will serve as a mentor and creative producer.
Ghai on His Involvement
Speaking exclusively to us, Ghai shared his thoughts on the sequel. “Sanju was passionate about making this sequel for years. Even during his time in jail, he wrote to me saying, ‘Uncle, I want to make this film.’ So, I sent him the concept and story. If you ask me, no one can make this film the way I did. However, I don’t want to remake my own film; besides, I am 80 now. I told Sanju, ‘If you are so keen, why don’t you produce it yourself, and I can be your creative producer.’ I am sure he will find the right director for the film and announce it soon.”
Sequel Details
Khalnayak originally starred Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff. The sequel will pick up directly from the events of the first film, beginning after Ballu Balram completes his prison sentence and is released. Apart from Dutt, the rest of the cast is yet to be finalized. There were rumors about Tamannaah Bhatia recreating the iconic song “Choli Ke Peeche,” but Ghai dismissed these reports. A source close to Dutt also clarified that such claims are untrue.
Ghai's Cameo and Relationship with Dutt
Ghai confirmed that the sequel will feature his trademark cameo. “Sanju is like my son, so I will do it for him. I also did one for Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. I cherish the relationships I have built in the industry over the years. There are distributors who stood by me even when some of my films didn’t work. Other than Rishi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, who were established names when I worked with them in Karz (1980) and Vidhaata (1982), I never worked with stars. I looked for newer talent who fit the parts, and they went on to become huge stars,” he added.
Ghai on Sanjay Dutt's Journey
Sharing his long-standing bond with Dutt, Ghai said emotionally, “When I first met Sanju, he was barely 20. He was flamboyant and not particularly interested in becoming a star. He had the face, body, and aura of a star, so I knew he would be a hero, but I never thought he could put in the hard work required to be an actor. When I cast him opposite Dilip Kumar in Vidhaata, which was his second film after Rocky (1981), I even told his father, Dutt sahab (Sunil Dutt), that Sanju has it in him, but he needs to take some interest in acting. Dutt sahab always told me that Sanju has a childlike quality, which I believe he still has. But he is one of the most genuine people you will meet. There is no facade. Years later, when I saw him in films like Saajan and Sadak (both 1991), I realized he had changed. I saw him taking acting seriously, and that’s when I cast him in Khalnayak. What he brought to the negative character was remarkable – the body language, the gaze. He worked extra hours to get things right. He doesn’t talk about his craft, but he is a solid actor.”
Maanayata's Role
Ghai also credited Dutt’s wife, Maanayata, for encouraging the sequel. “She is the anchor in Sanju’s life and was keen that he make a sequel,” he said.
