EXCLUSIVE: Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Karthik Aaryan or Ayushmann Khurrana – Sooraj Barjatya reveals who has potential to be his new Prem

Sooraj Barjatya is a renowned Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer. He known for his family-centric films that emphasize traditional values, relationships, and emotions. As the chairman of Rajshri Productions, he has directed several Bollywood blockbusters. They include Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). Sooraj Barjatya celebrates wholesome storytelling, grand celebrations, and strong moral themes in his films, often featuring Salman Khan. Barjatya’s work has played a significant role in shaping Indian family dramas, making him one of Bollywood’s most respected filmmakers.

Sooraj Barjatya on his next Prem

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Sooraj Barjatya talks about actors who can potentially play his most iconic character Prem, “Sabhi accha kar rahe hai because focused bohot hai bacche jaise, Shahid bohot accha kar rahe hai, Ayushmann bohot accha kar rahe hai, Karthik, Varun. Aur yeh log ek ek film itna dedicated karte hai but, mujhe bas wahi lagta hai ki, kai baar hume kahaniya simple likhni chahiye.” (Everyone is doing well because the younger actors are very focused. Shahid, Ayushmann, Kartik, and Varun are all performing excellently, and they dedicate themselves fully to each film. I just feel that sometimes we should write simpler stories.)

He continued on the same, “Hum log na bohot complicated kar dete hai characters ko, toh woh audience ko samajh nahi aata. Jaise for example, koi pyaar karta hai toh karta hai, uski analysis karte jaye na ki ‘kyu karta hu?’, ‘kyu nahi?’, analysis na bhatka deta hai audiences ko kyuki na people want to see simple things and entertaining films banaye rather than bohot complexities kare, bohot shade dena, logo ko sukoon chahiye and they are such good performers agar acchi script hogi toh all 4 can hit the roof now.” (We often make characters too complicated, which confuses the audience. For example, if someone loves, they just love—overanalyzing it can be distracting. People want simple, entertaining films rather than too many complexities. Audiences seek comfort, and with a good script, all four of them can reach great heights.)

On the work front, as of February 2025, Sooraj Barjatya, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for his family-centric narratives. He is actively engaged in several projects. He has recently ventured into the digital space with Bada Naam Karenge. A web series that premiered on SonyLIV on February 7, 2025. Serving as the showrunner, Barjatya brings his signature storytelling to this series. Which explores the journey of a Gen-Z couple balancing their dreams with traditional family values.

Interview transcribed & written by Harsh Nargolkar

Watch the interview here:

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