Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, after receiving critical acclaim for his latest film, “Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,” released on April 18, 2025, was once considered for a lead role in a remake of a Bollywood classic. The proposed project, to be directed by the renowned Rituparno Ghosh, was a reimagining of Vijay Anand’s iconic romantic drama “Guide,” tentatively titled “Rahgir.”
Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan were considered to portray the roles originally played by the celebrated duo Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. However, the project, a collaboration involving Pritish Nandy, never materialized. Despite this, Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan later shared screen space in several successful films like “Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” “Heyy Babyy,” and “Mission Mangal.”
Released in 1965, Vijay Anand’s “Guide” is a cinematic adaptation of R.K. Narayan’s 1958 novel, “The Guide.” The film centers around a freelance tour guide, played by Dev Anand, who becomes romantically involved with the neglected wife of an archaeologist, portrayed by Waheeda Rehman. Their relationship takes a tumultuous turn, leading to life-altering consequences for all involved.
“Guide” received widespread acclaim, securing multiple Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, and was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars. The timeless appeal of “Guide” continues to resonate, with discussions about modern reinterpretations featuring contemporary stars such as Ranbir Kapoor or Ranveer Singh alongside Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone.
The untimely passing of Rituparno Ghosh leaves discussions open regarding potential future directors for such a project, with talents like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani, or Zoya Akhtar possibly taking the helm. Akshay Kumar’s potential involvement in a “Guide” remake not only showcases the enduring relevance of the original film but also sparks excitement about what fresh perspectives new talents could bring to this classic narrative.
