Ramesh Sippy, who made the single most successful Hindi film, has no problems with Ram Gopal Varma remaking "Sholay".

"Why should I have a problem with Varma remaking 'Sholay'? He's a very fine filmmaker and I'm sure he'll do a great job of remaking the film. Didn't he just do a commendable take on 'The Godfather' in 'Sarkar'?" Sippy told.

"Right now I'm too immersed in my production plans, including my son Rohan's film 'Bluff Master', to worry about what others are doing."

Ramesh Sippy is reluctant to remark on the trend of remaking the Bachchan films, which started when Farhan Akhtar announced his desire to remake "Don".

"Everyone is free to make or remake whatever he wants. Why should we presume that the version of a story we've done is the best and cannot be taken any further? I believe Varma will trans-locate 'Sholay' into the city. So I'm sure he'll do something new with the theme."

Varma on his part is very sure about what he wants to do, and how. The full and final copyrights of "Sholay" have been bought by the Varma Corporation.

"I've had no interaction with Ramesh Sippy about the remake rights. My company spoke to G.P. Sippy who holds the copyrights. As far as I am concerned we're on. I've the highest regards for Ramesh Sippy. I can never hope to do what he has done in 'Sholay'.

"But this is something I have to do. I know all my colleagues in the film industry think I've gone mad, which is a remake of 'Sholay' can never work. But this is one homage that I want to pay. Even if I can't live up to the original, I'd still like to go ahead with it."

The casting for the new "Sholay" is on too.

How does Amitabh Bachchan who starred as Jai in the original feel about the remake? "Just as I felt when Ramu announced his decision to remake a film inspired by 'The Godfather'. And look how 'Sarkar' turned out," Bachchan said.

"I'm sure 'Sholay' will turn out just as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the remakes of 'Don', 'Sholay', 'Amar Akbar Anthony' and all my other films that might be remade."