War film expert Dutta echoes the same feelings about his upcoming film "Umrao Jaan" starring Aishwarya Rai in the title role.

"The story of Umrao Jaan touched me; that's why I am making this film," he said.

"Parineeta's" success encouraged many filmmakers to re-tell old tales with new techniques and styles. Farhan Akhtar is one of them.

"It's the one Amitabh Bachchan flick that has stayed with me since my childhood. I think of all the cool films he did in the 1970s, 'Don' was the coolest. Of course, 'Deewaar' and 'Sholay' are superior films. But 'Don' is cooler and funkier and stands out. It is a re-interpretation of one of my favourite films. It was a film that I thought of making after "Dil Chahta Hai", but opted for the more original 'Lakshya'," said Farhan.

Farhan's "Don" is a gadget-friendly hi-tech film and he has changed the milieu as well - if the original was shot with Amitabh Bachchan in Mumbai, the new version starring Shah Rukh Khan was filmed in Malaysia.

"We had to keep in mind the technological advancement since (the original) 'Don' was released. For instance, mobile phones play a big part in my 'Don'," added Farhan.

Varma has taken his "Sholay" to the city from the tough terrains of the Chambal valley; and Dutta is re-telling Umrao Jaan's trials and tribulations in flashback.

There are two schools of thought - one feels that it is a sheer waste of time and energy to re-tell a story, while others argue that old classics must be remade for the sake of younger generations who cannot relate to old hits.