Birthday special: Sooraj Barjatya - the OG cultural influencer and family entertainer of Hindi cinema!

Let's take a look at some of his iconic works which were of great cultural influence while also serving as comforting family entertainers!

Sooraj Barjatya is a name synonymous with desi values. The ace producer and director, has helmed some of Bollywood’s most wholesome family entertainers that ooze with charm and comfort. His works, though grand in scale, always have an element of relatability and rootedness. Think of Rajshri Productions and the first few visuals that fill your mind are that of loving joint families, ladies bedecked with the best dresses and jewellery and hearty celebrations of each and every occasion. Not only this, his films also explore themes of friendship and old-school romance, making them resonate with a large section. One can always revisit his films when in the mood to watch something light yet endearing or on a cosy Sunday while having lunch with your family. The filmmaker has often credited his own childhood experiences as the inspiration behind his family-oriented movies. He says, "Ours was a joint Marwari family and I grew up witnessing grand functions and wedding ceremonies in the family. The opulence shown in my films is based on my impressions as a child". Barjatya has also been dubbed as the trendsetter for glamorous family dramas, big fat Bollywood weddings and NRI-related films. His work also inspired other filmmakers in the 90s and 2000s to showcase films rooted in cultural themes.

Also Read: Birthday Special: Films that prove Ashutosh Gowariker is the champion of progressive nationalism!

These films are proof!

Maine Pyar Kiya

Maine Pyar Kiya, the 1989 musical romance drama, marked Barjatya's directorial debut. The film was an overnight success making Barjatya a household name. The film explores the story of two individuals Prem and Suman, whose journey from friendship to love is mired by family differences, ultimately challenging them to fight for their relationship. Maine Pyar Kiya is considered to be one of Barjatya's most loved and appreciated films. It enjoys cult status thanks to its music, dialogues, and chemistry between Salman Khan and Bhagyashree. Also, how many of you 90s kids still have the iconic 'friend' cap?

Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!

Hum Aapke Hain Koun, the Salman Khan-Madhuri Dixit starrer is one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The movie was largely a celebration of Indian wedding traditions narrated through a story of a married couple and the bond between their families. It was also a story about sacrificing one's love for the sake of one's family. This Sooraj Barjatya directorial is touted as one of the most influential movies of Indian cinema as well as in pop culture. The film still has a strong imprint on wedding celebrations in India, as they often include songs and games from the movie. It is also labeled as being a defining moment in Indian film industry's box office history, and the one that revolutionized the country’s film distribution system.

Hum Saath-Saath Hain

Hum Saath-Saath Hain was another family drama written and directed by Barjatya. The 1999 multi-starrer is laced with strong emotions, family values and ideal equations in a joint family household. The film explores the story of a closed- knit joint family who part ways after a misunderstanding. Hum Saath Saath Hain, too went on to become the highest-grossing film of the year and one of the biggest blockbusters of the decade, courtesy of the star cast, superhit songs, production design and entertaining drama. 

Vivah

Another cult classic, Vivah showcased a young couple’s beautiful but poignant journey from engagement to wedding. With Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao in the lead, Barjatya’s 2006 movie was the epitome of true love and sanctity in marriage. The film’s rooted portrayal of arranged marriages in India, the family get-togethers, the subtle romance between the protagonists in their period of courtship made this one an endearing watch. Fun fact: Vivah is the first Indian movie to be simultaneously released in cinema halls and on the internet (through Rajashri's official site). 

 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

“Wo khush-naseeb hai jinki family hoti hai” (Lucky are those who have a family) -This dialogue from the 2015 blockbuster Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, pretty much captures the essence of Barjatya’s filmography. This family entertainer, just like most of Barjatya’s films, was one of the biggest commercial successes of the year. The film focuses on Prem; a lookalike of the prince Vijay, who steps in his place after the conspiracy to eliminate the latter is hatched by his younger brother, a few days before the coronation. Prem, in doing so, fixes a lot of differences in the royal family, but falls for the prince's fiance, Maithili. PRDP, like most of the celebrated filmmaker's works, advocated for the idea of love and togetherness in a family, setting aside the issues of the past. 

So here’s to celebrating family values and you, Happy Birthday Mr. Barjatya!

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