By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Bollywood filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay" has become one of the most talked about film for various reasons and the most recent being Sushmita Sen replacing Katrina Kaif for the widow's role.

When Varma announced his "Sholay" more than a year ago, one of the first actors to be cast was Katrina Kaif as the repressed widow Radha - a role already taken to heights of poignancy by Jaya Bhaduri in Ramesh Sippy's 1975 epic.

"First of all, everyone presumed Sushmita is playing Basanti just because she has that exuberant, outgoing, talkative personality. But I'm tired of saying my Basanti is an entirely different ball game in my 'Sholay'," Varma told IANS.

But now when the film's shooting has begun, it is Sushmita who plays the widow however; Varma has not only given her character a new makeover but also changed her name as well in the film - she will feature as Durga.

"My Radha is neither introvert, nor repressed. And she doesn't spend all her time lighting lamps in the night. In a contemporary metro-centric atmosphere we can't have her languishing.

"Of course, she has suffered a great tragedy. And there's bitterness in her about it. But she understands her father-in-law's need for revenge. Sushmita's role is far more practical. The new Radha looks after her father-in-law and runs a small clinic for the poor. Sushmita has the strength and also the vulnerability to play the role."

As for Katrina, "I signed her two years ago when I wasn't sure about how the character would shape up. Then it got delayed because of Amitji's illness. Finally, Sushmita fitted the part bang on."

Varma says he has changed the characterisation to suit the contemporary look of the film.

"Every actor is cast according to characterisation. For example, the character of Ahmed (played by Sachin in the original) is far more fleshed-out in my 'Sholay'.

"My Ahmed (played by Veejay Gaurav) is innocent, mischievous and friendly, and he has a confrontation scene with Gabbar which wasn't there in the first 'Sholay'."

When Varma approached Sushmita, she grabbed it.

"When I met her she was immediately on. Though she has worked in my company (in 'Vastu Shastra'), I've never directed her."