Sooraj Barjatya Reveals Why He Picked Shahid Kapoor Over Salman Khan For 'Vivah', 'Isme Bholapan...'

Salman Khan has shared a great bond with filmmaker, Sooraj Barjatya since the beginning of their careers and has collaborated on their initial projects as well. The duo got their first hit with Maine Pyar Kiya, which made them stars. After the success of their film, the duo continued to work together for over a decade in films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain. However, when the director decided on the cast for Vivah, he chose Shahid Kapoor over Salman Khan.

Sooraj Barjatya revealed why he chose Shahid Kapoor over Salman Khan for the role of 'Prem' in Vivah

Sooraj Barjatya didn't think Salman Khan would fulfill the requirement of the lead role in Vivah, as, according to him, the actor didn't look innocent enough to essay the part of 'Prem'. The filmmaker, in a recent conversation with Digital Commentary, revealed why, even after working extensively with Salman Khan in many of his projects, he made the decision to cast Shahid Kapoor in Vivah instead.

Responding to the interviewer, Sooraj revealed that ever since he stepped into the industry, he had decided that he would not compromise when it came to his work. He added that the film, Vivah went into production after he was struck by the failure of Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan starrer, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. He shared that soon after the film's failure, Salman called him and asked to collaborate. He stated:

"After Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon flopped, Salman called and said, 'Let’s work on something'. But at that time, I didn’t have a story for Salman, and this was a story that my father had given me." 

Sooraj Barjatya recalls wanting someone who looked young and innocent for Vivah

Sooraj Barjatya recalled the genesis of Vivah and shared that when his father gave him the film, he already knew that Salman wouldn't be the right choice for the role. He added that he wanted someone with an innocent appearance and a much younger look for the lead, which Salman didn't have. However, the filmmaker found his perfect leads with Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao, giving the Indian cinema one of its most loved romantic dramas. He stated:

"When I decided I wanted to make this, I knew Salman wouldn’t fit here because he was a major star. Isme bholapan chahiye, umar chahiye aur umar toh kisiki rukegi nahi. Toh fir yeh Shahid aur Amrita ki casting hui."

Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya's collaborations

Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya shared several projects, including Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath-Saaath Hain, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. However, it was during the shoot of Hum Saath Saath Hain, that the actor was accused of shooting blackbucks. For the unversed, it was during the shoot of this film in Rajasthan that Salman was accused. Salman also made a cameo in Sooraj's Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. If the reports are to be believed, the terrific duo will once again collaborate on an unnamed project. 

What are your thoughts on Sooraj Barjatya's casting choice for Vivah?

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