Immersed in sending off prints of his film overseas Santoshi protests, `First of all, if I want to make a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna there is no hurdle in the way.The producer Mr Vinay Sinha is a gentleman.I have a letter of consent from him to go ahead with the sequel whenever I want to.`
However Santoshi just doesn't want to attempt a sequel to the cult comedy. `I don't see the need to go into that subject again. Contrary to reports I am not working on a subject for a sequel. I don't even have an idea for a sequel!Why would I attempt something that is for now a closed chapter for me?`
The prolific and versatile director whose films are as far-ranging as the serious-toned Lajja to the spoofy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani says he has many new stories to tell. `If I wanted to cash in on the long-lasting popularity of Andaz Apna Apna I'd have done so years ago.
And why only a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna? Why not Damini 2, Ghayal 2 or Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani 2? I am filled with new ideas and new stories. I don't need to return to a world I created long ago.`
Santoshi however reiterates that he is the architect of the word he created in Andaz Apna Apna. `The story idea, characters and plot were mine. Why wouldn't I be allowed to continue the story? If I've built one floor in a house why can't I build another storey?`