Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya is making waves yet again, this time venturing onto the OTT platform with his new series, "Bada Naam Karenge." This significant move marks Rajshri Productions' first foray directly onto streaming services, promising to deliver the same heartfelt storytelling Barjatya is known for, with the series premiering on Sony LIV on February 7, 2023. This reflects Barjatya's commitment to evolve alongside the changing dynamics of storytelling.
Barjatya has long maintained his reputation within Bollywood as the director behind iconic films filled with family values and memorable music. His classic "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" remains etched in the hearts of audiences, not only for its storyline but for the beautiful chemistry between its lead characters, Prem and Nisha, played by Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Interestingly, during his appearance on Indian Idol, Barjatya shared a remarkable tidbit: Madhuri wasn’t the initial choice for the role of Nisha. Instead, he had considered Karisma Kapoor at first.
The director reminisced about how Karisma personally reached out to him after the release of her film "Prem Qaidi," expressing her interest. Barjatya was impressed by her talent, stating, "She has a lot of ability. We are still in the writing stage of 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun,' and we need to cast someone for the role of Nisha." His father, Rajkumar Barjatya, played a key role, advising against Karisma’s casting based on her youthfulness. "Let’s take someone who can carry the weight on her shoulders," he suggested, which led to Madhuri securing the role—a decision celebrated by Bollywood aficionados.
Reflecting on his career and collaborations, Barjatya has always worked closely with actors like Salman Khan. The two share a long-standing professional relationship, marked by blockbusters such as "Maine Pyar Kiya," "Hum Saath-Saath Hain," and "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo." Recently, Salman Khan took to Instagram to extend his wishes on the release of "Bada Naam Karenge," remarking, "This one's going to be special!" His supportive shoutout indicates their friendship goes beyond mere professional ties.
Another voice from Barjatya’s past, actor Mohnish Bahl, also graced the Indian Idol stage, showering praise on Barjatya and his production company. Bahl shared, "Working with Sooraj Sir has been nothing short of a blessing. I owe my career to Raj Babuji & Soorajji. He has... unforgettable characters... I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of his vision." His admiration emphasizes the nurturing environment Rajshri Productions has cultivated over decades.
When discussing the transition to OTT, Barjatya highlighted, "There are certain stories... we need a medium to tell our story. At Rajshri, my elder son Devansh handles TV; he also wanted us to make our OTT debut." This perspective showcases Barjatya's willingness to adapt and explore modern storytelling techniques. He understands storytelling has evolved beyond just two-and-a-half-hour films.
The series, directed by Palash Vaswani and made under Barjatya’s guidance, features talented actors such as Kanwaljeet Singh, Alka Amin, and Rajesh Jais, ensuring viewers are promised exceptional storytelling reminiscent of Barjatya’s earlier works. His determination to maintain the legacy of family-oriented cinema continues, even as he steps onto new platforms.
Sooraj Barjatya’s career reflects the essence of family cinema, where relationships, emotions, and storytelling intertwine. His nostalgic connection to the past, coupled with his bold steps toward the future, ensures Barjatya's name remains synonymous with heart-touching films and series. With "Bada Naam Karenge," audiences can expect nothing less than the love and warmth he has consistently delivered through his storied career.