Not Bhagyashree but THIS actress was first choice for Salman Khan starrer Maine Pyaar Kiya; deets inside

Maine Pyar Kiya is a film that not only launched Salman Khan but also Bhagyashree as leading stars. Although Salman had appeared in a small role in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, Maine Pyar Kiya marked his first film as the lead hero. In the process of selecting the leading lady for the film, director Sooraj Barjatya auditioned many actors, including Upasana Singh. In a recent interview, Upasana shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about why she wasn’t selected for the iconic role of Suman.

Actress Upasana Singh reveals she was the first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya

During a chat with Siddharth Kannan, Upasana revealed that after her initial audition, Sooraj Barjatya had picked her for the role. “He told me everything about the film, my role. And he selected me,” she said. However, the next step involved meeting Sooraj’s father, Raj Kumar Barjatya, who had the final say in the casting decision. The following day, Upasana met Raj Kumar, but despite Sooraj’s approval, she was not chosen. “They are very sweet people so he did not say rejected but they did not call me again,” she recalled. Upasana was left uncertain, as she did not receive any follow-up communication.

Years later, while working with Rajshri Productions on Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Upasana had the opportunity to meet Raj Kumar again. On set, Raj Kumar announced in front of the film’s cast, including Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, and Hrithik Roshan, that Upasana had been their first choice for the role of Suman in Maine Pyar Kiya. Upasana was surprised when he revealed this, recalling, “He said, ‘Did you know who was our first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya?’” She hadn’t shared this story with others, as she had lost the role, but hearing Raj Kumar confirm it left the cast in shock. When she jokingly mentioned that it was because of him she didn’t get the role, Raj Kumar explained, “If I selected you, then you would have also left the movies like Bhagyashree.”

Upasana on why she was rejected

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A post shared by Upasana Singh (@upasnasinghofficial)

Upasana then learned the real reason for her rejection. Raj Kumar Barjatya revealed that the decision was based on height. He told her, “I am not making an excuse, but you were taller than Salman.” According to him, they wanted someone shorter than Salman for the role of Suman, and since Upasana was taller, they decided to cast someone else. “They were not lying,” she confirmed. This candid explanation shed light on the sometimes unexpected factors that can influence casting decisions in the film industry.

Also Read: The Kapil Sharma Show fame Upasana Singh recalls shocking casting couch experience; says, “Didn’t leave my room for 7 days, would cry nonstop”