In the vibrant world of Hindi cinema, few filmmakers have captured the essence of family bonds and heartfelt emotions as masterfully as Suraj Barjatya. Renowned for his enchanting portrayals of weddings, sprawling joint families, and pure-hearted characters, Barjatya has earned the title of ‘family drama maestro.’ As his birthday approaches on February 22, let’s delve into the journey of this cinematic genius who has made ‘Prem’ an iconic name in Bollywood.
Barjatya’s debut film, ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ in 1989, introduced audiences to Salman Khan as the lovable Prem – a family-oriented young man with a heart of gold. This romantic drama not only became the highest-grossing film of its time but also set the template for Barjatya’s signature style. In interviews, he revealed how the character of Prem was crafted as an ideal family boy who laughs and chats with everyone from aunts to uncles, untouched by worldly cynicism. The name ‘Prem’ stuck, appearing in lead roles across his films, thanks to the overwhelming love it received, much credited to Salman Khan’s charismatic portrayal.
No discussion of Barjatya is complete without ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ (1994), a timeless classic that revolutionized family entertainers. With its lavish depiction of wedding rituals, emotional family ties, and unforgettable songs, the film broke box-office records and remains a benchmark for wedding movies. Barjatya followed this with ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’ (1999), celebrating unity in diversity, and ‘Vivah’ (2006), a heartfelt take on arranged marriages. Each film weaves themes of respect, love, and familial duty, offering more than entertainment – they impart life lessons on relationships.
Barjatya’s personal anecdotes add charm to his persona. During a TV appearance on ‘Indian Idol,’ he shared a hilarious fear of animals despite acknowledging their importance. In ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, the dog Tuffy had two units for different shooting schedules to manage his discomfort. Similarly, in ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain,’ he kept a safe distance from the elephant scenes, letting actors handle the close-ups.
Starting as an assistant to Mahesh Bhatt, Barjatya’s directorial ventures like ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ (2015) continued his commercial success. His latest, ‘Uunchai’ (2022), earned him the National Film Award for Best Direction, proving his evolution while staying true to emotional storytelling. Suraj Barjatya’s films continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring power of family and love in an ever-changing world.