Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya is back in the spotlight, and he’s stirring up some real excitement. He’s making a big return to the small screen with his brand-new show, ‘Manpasand Ki Shaadi’. But that’s not all. In a special chat with Amar Ujala, he opened up about his TV project and gave us some juicy details on his upcoming films with two of Bollywood’s biggest stars: Salman Khan and Ayushmann Khurrana. Get ready, because it sounds like a new era for classic storytelling!
Bringing Modern Love to the Small Screen
Sooraj Barjatya has had an idea cooking in his mind for a long time. He wanted to tell a story that truly showed how today’s young people see marriage. “The channel came to me with a whole year of research,” Barjatya shared. “They had asked young men and women from smaller towns what kind of wedding they wanted.” That’s how the idea for ‘Manpasand Ki Shaadi’ was born. It turns out, modern kids want to pick their own partners, but they don’t want to run away and elope. “They’ll make a list, check things out, then introduce their choice to their parents, and take responsibility,” Barjatya explained. “That thought is the very foundation of this show.” It seems he’s found a way to bridge old traditions with new ways of thinking.
Family Matters, Then and Now
Barjatya has always been known for his heartwarming family dramas. He believes that while family structures might have changed over time, their importance hasn’t. “If I think about 15-20 people living in one house today, that might seem like a huge deal to many,” he said. “Families are smaller now, but they still have their own special place. Festivals like Rakhi are still celebrated. Weddings still hold deep meaning. Nothing has really changed at its core.” It’s clear his focus remains on the enduring bonds that tie us together.
Quality Over Quick Wins
When it comes to the pressure of TV ratings, or TRP, Barjatya keeps a clear head. “TRP pressure is just a part of the job,” he noted. “But creating fake drama just to boost ratings doesn’t last for long. If a story is presented well, it brings its own TRP. Good content always wins in the end.” It’s refreshing to hear a filmmaker prioritize genuine storytelling.
The New ‘Prem’ is Here (and it’s not Salman!)
Hold onto your seats, because here’s the big news! Before his much-anticipated project with Salman Khan, Barjatya is kicking off another film with none other than Ayushmann Khurrana. And guess what? Ayushmann will play the beloved character of ‘Prem’. “It’s a romantic comedy,” Barjatya revealed. “Sharvari Wagh will join the shooting in December, and Anupam Kher is also part of the cast.” Filming is set to begin this November. Barjatya had high praise for his new leading man. “Ayushmann is a really good and grounded person.” He added that it’s a bit too soon to say much more, but fans won’t have to wait long for the official announcement.
– Photo: X (Twitter)
Waiting for Salman’s Family Reunion
Fans are always eager to see Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan team up again. When asked about their next collaboration, Barjatya confirmed they’re working hard to make Salman a part of their upcoming film. “The story is still being developed,” he explained. It seems bringing Salman back into a family drama takes a special touch. “For Salman, action roles are easy,” Barjatya stated. “But if we’re bringing him into a family film, the story needs to fit his age and image just right.” They want to make sure that when ‘Prem’ returns to the big screen, he truly connects with the audience’s hearts. That’s why they’re working so carefully on the story, and it’s taking a little more time. But by the sound of it, the wait will be worth it!
– Photo: X (Twitter)