Sooraj Barjatya on Salman Khan's New Challenges and Projects

Mumbai, Aug 28 (PTI) Director Sooraj Barjatya acknowledges the ongoing challenge of crafting work that feels both “relevant” and new for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, with whom he has a long-standing collaboration. Barjatya had initially planned to create an action film with the 59-year-old actor but decided against it as he couldn't develop the right character to suit Khan. The director and actor have partnered on numerous blockbusters, including “Maine Pyar Kiya” (1989), “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” (1994), “Hum Saath Saath Hain” (1999), and “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” (2015). “There are some topics you struggle to advance, either unable to solve the climax or nail the character, and until these elements align, it’s futile to proceed with the film,” Barjatya mentioned to PTI. “I’ve only made seven films, but that’s my chosen path, and unless I’m convinced of the project, I won’t embark on it. I’m grateful that Salman Bhai stands by me, and crafting something relevant and fresh for him now is an even greater challenge,” he added. With a career of over three decades, Khan is celebrated for a series of blockbuster films, but his recent works like “Sikandar”, “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan”, “Radhe”, “Dabangg 3”, and “Race 3” have not met the expectations of his devoted fans. Nonetheless, Barjatya remains optimistic about Khan’s potential to make a significant comeback. “I believe everyone experiences downturns; it's just amplified because he is a celebrity. Everybody deserves room to make mistakes and learn, as it forms part of life’s journey. We should not be overly critical. He is a wonderful person, resilient and strong, and I am confident he will make a remarkable return,” the director stated. Both Barjatya and Khan are presently engrossed in their respective new projects. Barjatya is preparing to start filming a new family drama featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari, while Khan is working on a widely anticipated war drama titled “Battle of Galwan”. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict.