When it comes to romance in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan often dominates the conversation. However, Salman Khan’s portrayal of ‘Prem’ in Sooraj Barjatya’s films remains one of the most cherished romantic characters of Hindi cinema. From Maine Pyar Kiya to Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Salman’s ‘Prem’ became the ideal lover boy of the ’90s.
Recently, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya took a trip down memory lane and shared insights into his first meeting with Salman Khan. Recalling their initial interaction, Barjatya told NDTV, “I met him for Maine Pyar Kiya because someone told me that Salim saab ka beta hai Salman. However, I came to know later that he was already doing a film. But I was not moving anywhere with my lead, so I contacted him and the first meeting was at our Rajshri office.”
Barjatya admitted that his first impression of Salman wasn’t what he had imagined. “When I saw him personally, I thought he was very short. At that time his photos were outstanding. I just started narrating, he heard and I think by the time we reached the kabutar sequence (Maine Pyar Kiya), we both knew that we had got what we wanted.”
The collaboration turned out to be a game-changer for both Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan. Their partnership went on to deliver some of Bollywood’s biggest hits. While their friendship has remained rock solid over the years, Barjatya has hinted at finding a new ‘Prem’ for the current generation while also exploring a character for Salman Khan that suits his age.
Fans continue to hope for another Barjatya-Salman collaboration, and with the filmmaker’s plans in motion, it remains to be seen what’s next for the beloved Prem.
