Why Sooraj Barjatya Chose Shahid Kapoor Over Salman Khan for Vivah: A Heartfelt Revelation.

In a recent chat with Digital Commentary, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya opened up about why he chose Shahid Kapoor instead of superstar Salman Khan for the lead role of Prem in the 2006 romantic drama Vivah. His honest explanation gives a deep insight into how he chooses his actors based on the story’s needs rather than just star power.

Sooraj revealed that after the failure of Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Salman Khan reached out to him to work on another film. “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 that would suit him,” Sooraj shared.

He then added that Vivah was a special story given to him by his father, Rajkumar Barjatya. “When I decided I wanted to make Vivah, I knew Salman wouldn’t fit the role. He was already a big star, and this film needed innocence and youth. It needed someone who could bring a sense of simplicity and purity. That’s how I ended up casting Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao,” said Sooraj.

Barjatya also emphasized that for him, quality always comes first. He described himself as a “selfish” filmmaker in the sense that he never compromises on the story. “If you look at it that way, I’m a very selfish man because nothing is more important to me than being a writer and director. Whether it was Maine Pyaar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, I’ve only made a film when the subject truly called out to me. That’s why I took five years for each project. The subject always speaks to me and tells me it’s time to make it,” he explained.

Vivah went on to become one of the most iconic romantic films of Indian cinema. Released in 2006, it touched hearts with its pure love story and traditional values. The chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao was praised by both critics and audiences. Their portrayal of a couple brought together through an arranged marriage, growing from shy conversations to deep love, felt real and heartfelt to viewers across generations.

This classic tale was a major hit and remains one of Shahid Kapoor’s most beloved performances. For Amrita Rao, too, Vivah became a milestone film in her career. The film’s success is proof that casting the right actors for the right roles, even if they aren’t the biggest stars at the time, can make all the difference.

Sooraj Barjatya’s dedication to his craft and his emotional connection to his stories clearly played a key role in the making of Vivah. His decision to go with his instincts and cast based on the heart of the story instead of star power is what helped Vivah become the timeless film it is today.

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