Salman Bhai and I are not very different: Sooraj Barjatya

Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya are an iconic actor-director duo. Together, they have delivered mega-successful films like

Maine Pyar Kiya

,

Hum Aapke Hain Koun!

, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. In fact, the two are also in talks to collaborate again, with their next film expected to go on floors in a couple of years. The director stated that he is re-imagining the role of Prem, previously played by Salman Khan, to factor in the actor’s age and ensure an appropriate role for him in the film.

Despite their contrasting personalities—Salman being flamboyant and Sooraj being humble—their friendship has remained one of the strongest in the industry, lasting over three decades. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the acclaimed director shared that, contrary to popular belief, they are actually quite similar.He says,
“With him, it feels like being with a school friend—how much can you fake in front of them? We began our film journey together, sharing the same worries about the future—whether we would make it or not. Over the years, our relationship has never been just professional. Also, we are not very different; he is the eldest in his family, and so am I. He feels responsible for everyone, and so do I."

" He is very simple actually —he never sits in his vanity van. I have never seen anyone else leave their air-conditioned van like he does. For him, it is never about what he should buy for himself; it is always about others. But he is an actor, and he has an image to maintain, so he has to do justice to that. Our collaboration is truly special—I bring him a simple, straightforward scene, and he adds his signature naughtiness and fun, and that’s how our scenes come to life” he added.