As Bollywood gears up to celebrate Suraj Barjatya’s birthday on February 22, fans reminisce about the director-producer whose films have become synonymous with joy, weddings, and unbreakable family ties. Dubbed the master of family dramas, Barjatya has gifted Hindi cinema enduring classics centered around the character ‘Prem’ and wholesome storytelling.
His breakthrough came with ‘Maine Pyar Kiya,’ launching Salman Khan as Prem, a character defined by simplicity, family devotion, and genuine love. Barjatya explained they wanted a relatable everyman – chatting animatedly with extended family, free from malice. The film’s massive success popularized ‘Prem,’ a name reprised in subsequent hits, blending nostalgia with Barjatya’s vision of ideal masculinity.
The pinnacle arrived with ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, a grand narrative of love and loss amid wedding festivities that shattered records and influenced a generation. Barjatya’s oeuvre expanded with ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’s’ message of reconciliation, ‘Vivah’s’ ode to tradition, and ‘Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi’s’ emotional depth. Even ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ and the poignant ‘Uunchai’ – which bagged him a National Award – uphold his commitment to relational values over high-octane action.
In a fun revelation on ‘Indian Idol,’ Barjatya admitted his animal fears contradict his films’ themes. He recounted using two Tuffy dogs for ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ shoots and avoiding elephant proximity in ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain,’ showcasing his behind-the-scenes quirks.
Kicking off under Mahesh Bhatt’s wing, Barjatya transformed into a commercial powerhouse. His films transcend entertainment, embedding lessons on empathy, honor, and familial love. On his special day, Bollywood honors a visionary whose reels continue to unite hearts across generations.