Known for creating timeless family dramas like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Vivah, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has always explored the deep-rooted values of Indian families. His stories celebrate love, togetherness, and traditions, resonating with audiences across generations. However, despite their overwhelming success at the box office, his films have often faced skepticism before release.
Recalling an incident from two decades ago, Sooraj Barjatya shared how Vivah was questioned for its relevance in an era that was seeing a rise in live-in relationships. In an interview, he remembered a journalist asking him, “Who will watch a film about arranged marriage when live-in relationships are becoming the norm?” Curious about how widely the concept of live-in relationships was actually understood back then, he countered with a simple question—“How many people even know the term ‘live-in’?” To this, the journalist admitted she wasn’t sure and was simply told to ask the question. Ultimately, the audience gave the final answer. The film became a huge success, and even years later, it continues to be watched on television.
For Sooraj, storytelling is about staying true to the emotions that connect people. He believes that India is a diverse country, where different perspectives coexist, but at the core, people share common values. He emphasizes that a filmmaker’s goal shouldn’t be to impress audiences by following trends, but rather to create stories that evoke familiarity and relatability. “You don’t have to see yourself in every character—you might not be like them, but you surely know someone who is,” he explained, reinforcing his belief in the timeless nature of his films.
We certainly agree with Sooraj Barjatya, what do you say?
