23 years after Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, Renuka Shahane-Madhuri Dixit team up for Marathi film

With the wedding season well and truly here, it was only a matter of time before Hum Aapke Hain Koun! (1994) sauntered into the news. Reports now suggest that actress Renuka Shahane will join her co-actress Madhuri Dixit Nene in the latter's Marathi film debut. Directed by Tejas Vijay Deoskar, the film is currently being shot in Mumbai. 

Shahane and Dixit Nene had previously come together onscreen during the shooting for an episode of the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. While Dixit Nene was one of the judges on the show, Shahane was a celebrity participant.

Speaking to Mumbai Mirror tabloid, Shahane said, "Tejas used to make documentary films and had approached me years ago. Things didn’t work out then but we kept in touch. One day, he came to me with this film. After I came on board, I was told that Madhuri is playing the lead. I was thrilled to know that because I had hoped for the longest time that she’d do a Marathi film." 

Twenty-three years ago, the actress played elder sister to Dixit-Nene in the Sooraj Barjatya wedding epic, Hum Aapke Hain Koun! (1994). The film went on to be a blockbuster hit, with both actresses remembered for their roles. Despite the gap of many years, Shahane specified that the two continue to share a close bond. She said, "She is down-to-earth and professional. I always say that if you get a chance to work with Madhuri, you should offer money to the producer for the opportunity." 

In October earlier this year, director Deoskar had spoken exclusively to Cinestaan.com and suggested that the casting process was still on. Describing the film, Deoskar said that it was a 'journey of self-discovery of a woman. It’s a slice-of-life drama with slight humour. It’s a simple film.'

Exclusive: Here’s how Tejas Deoskar got Madhuri Dixit on board for first Marathi film 

The director also said that from the beginning Dixit-Nene was his only choice to play the lead. He said, "I would have kept this film aside. I can’t see anyone else in this script." 

It is not yet known what role Shahane will play in the film. Vivek and Arun Rangachari of DAR Motion Pictures will co-produce the film with Ashok and Aarti Subhedar of Blue Mustang. The film went on the floors last week, and is expected to be released in 2018.