The Secret to the Barjatya Magic: How One Man Redefined the Indian Family Movie
Sooraj Barjatya is a lot like the heroes in his movies: polite, shy, and deeply devoted to his family. A college dropout who stepped up to save his father’s business, he became one of Bollywood’s most successful directors by making wholesome hits like Maine Pyar Kiya. He famously avoids the glitz of movie parties and the media, preferring a quiet life and a firm belief that the world is a beautiful, happy place.
By 2003, Barjatya decided to modernize his style with Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. He swapped his signature giant family weddings for bungee jumping, exotic vacations, and younger stars like Hrithik Roshan. Even though he moved away from his usual formula and worked without his close friend Salman Khan for the first time, his core values didn’t change. For him, making movies is still about showing respect for parents and ensuring every story has a happy heart.
