“Salman Khan didn’t even look like a hero,” says Sooraj Barjatya as he recalls narrating him Maine Pyar Kiya : Bollywood News

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya recently shared a nostalgic and candid account of his first impression of Salman Khan during the audition for Maine Pyar Kiya, revealing that he initially found the Bollywood superstar “such a short boy” who “didn’t even look like a hero.” In the latest episode of Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, Barjatya recounted the journey of casting Salman as Prem, the iconic romantic lead in his 1989 directorial debut, which launched both their careers into superstardom.

“Salman Khan didn’t even look like a hero,” says Sooraj Barjatya as he recalls narrating him Maine Pyar Kiya

A Surprising First Impression

Barjatya recalled how a model auditioning for the role of Suman suggested Salman’s name for Prem, leaving him skeptical. “I questioned, ‘Why would Salim (Khan) Saab’s son work with me?’” Barjatya shared. However, determined to launch a fresh face, he met Salman at his office. “I am in my room, and then he has come. I go out to see him, and he is such a short boy. I said, ‘He doesn’t even look like a hero.’ But he came to my room and brought some pictures. He looked outstanding in them. I started narrating, and we shook hands at the interval,” Barjatya explained.

Despite Salman’s striking photos, Barjatya’s concerns persisted. “It was my mistake as a newcomer. His voice wasn’t there. There was no throw. I couldn’t understand what he was saying,” he admitted.

Testing Salman’s Dancing Skills

To further evaluate Salman, Barjatya decided to test his dancing abilities, a crucial aspect for the role of Prem. He called choreographer Farah Khan to the studio to teach Salman some steps from the song ‘Hum To Tere Aashiq Hain’ from the film Farz. “I have the test footage where it is going all wrong foot,” Barjatya chuckled, recalling Salman’s initial struggles with dance. However, his determination and charm eventually won Barjatya over, leading to a partnership that redefined Bollywood romance.

Maine Pyar Kiya, released on December 29, 1989, starred Salman Khan alongside Bhagyashree, Alok Nath, Mohnish Bahl, Reema Lagoo, Rajeev Verma, Ajit Vachani, and Laxmikant Berde. The film tells the heartwarming story of Prem and Suman, two individuals whose journey from friendship to love is tested by family differences.

Also Read: Sooraj Barjatya reveals Hum Aapke Hain Koun was adapted from the book ‘Kohbar Ki Shart’: “In the novel, Madhuri Dixit marries Mohnish Bahl and not Salman Khan. Everyone dies in the end…”