Sooraj Barjatya, the man behind some of Bollywood’s most cherished family dramas, has opened up about the enduring legacy of his blockbuster hits Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Maine Pyar Kiya. These films didn’t just dominate the box office — they helped shape a generation’s idea of love, family, and celebration on screen. With Salman Khan at the heart of both, paired with Madhuri Dixit and Bhagyashree respectively, the movies remain timeless classics. But fans hoping to see the magic recreated in a sequel may be in for a disappointment.
In a recent interview, Barjatya clarified that while his bond with the stars remains strong, a direct sequel with the same cast is off the table. “I would not want to make a sequel with them, and even if I were offered to make a sequel to Maine Pyar Kiya, it would have a fresh cast,” he said, making it clear that his vision for storytelling evolves with time.
Despite that, the affection and admiration he holds for Salman Khan remain unchanged. He fondly described the actor’s grounded nature, adding, “Salman and I share the same level of friendship even after so many years. He might be a star for the masses and puts up that persona, but at heart, he is a simple guy who likes to sit outside the vanity van in a chair and interact with the crew.”
Barjatya, known for prioritizing the emotional integrity of his stories, also expressed a readiness to collaborate with Salman and Madhuri again — but only if the right script comes along. “If there is a good script with characters that suit them, I would work with Salman and Madhuri. One wants to work with stars, but I have always believed that a good script is bigger than anything else. After reaching a certain age, you trust a good film more than a star.”
In his words, the essence of filmmaking lies not in chasing star power, but in the strength of the story being told — a philosophy that has defined Barjatya’s cinematic journey from the beginning, and continues to guide it even today.
