Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI): Filmmaker Ashim Samanta, son of noted director Shakti Samanta, says veteran actor Rajesh Khanna wanted his superhit movie 'Aradhana' to be remade.

Khanna felt that 'Aradhana', starring him and Sharmila Tagore, should be remade with a fresh pair as he believed that the songs alone will attract the audience.

"Kaka (Rajesh Khanna) asked me to remake 'Aradhana' with new actors. He even said that he would help me with the screenplay and music. We were planning to start the work on the film last November when he was well. As soon as he recovers, we will begin the project," Ashim Samanta said.

The association between Shakti Samanta and Khanna dates back to 60s and the duo gave the audience hit movies like 'Aradhana' (1969), 'Kati Patang', 'Amar Prem', 'Ajnabee', 'Mehbooba', 'Anurodh' and 'Alag Alag'.

'Aradhana', a big hit at the box office, had also bagged awards in the best actress, best director and music category even as its songs like 'Roop Tera Mastana', 'Mero Sapno Ki Rani', 'Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Mann Mera' and 'Gunguna Rahe Hai Bhanvare' are a rage till date.
While planning his son Aditya's acting debut, Ashim thought about casting him in the remake of 'Aradhana'.

"But I realised that people will compare him to Rajesh Khanna. So I am launching him with 'Yeh Jo Mohobbat Hai' and making 'Aradhana' later," Ashim said.

Aditya is making his Bollywood debut as an actor with 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai' opposite Sanjay Dutt's niece Nazia Hussain. The film is directed by Shree Narayan Singh.