Sooraj Barjatya reflects upon his journey in filmmaking, the importance of family values, and the future of Rajshri

Prathamesh Jadhav

His calming influence is legendary. The moment he walks into the room, celebrated director Sooraj Barjatya ensures—albeit unwittingly, as indeed by default at that—that a sense of calm envelops whoever visits him. His composure, his steady gaze, and the unmissable warmth put you at ease. On a rather foggy February morning, The Free Press Journal meets the director of films such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Hum Saath - Saath Hain, Vivah, and Uunchai to list a few, at his Mumbai office for a nice, warm, and dare we say... a sanskari conversation.

How does the maverick filmmaker continue to exploit the theme of family values, principles, and sanskaar even in this day and age, one wonders. “It’s not that I have not tried to do something else under my banner, Rajshri, but I guess it’s inherent in us that we come back to values and to our roots. I am glad that our OTT debut continues the tradition, as it was Sony Liv that wanted the film Vivaah’s audience to come on their platform to watch a Rajshri endeavour. They wanted a product that can get all the members of a family together for a collective family experience. I was so touched by their brief, and out of that need arrived Bada Naam Karenge,” says Barjatya.

How does Barjatya Jr. continue to take the baton forward without wavering from what has worked for the banner? We ask the senior Barjatya. “The story goes back to the early ’60s. My grandfather was a devotee of the mother goddess in Pondicherry. So, when he started the production house 75 years ago, he decided, as per the order of the mother, to make products you can watch with your family. Jo bhi humare yahaan bane, usmein Saraswati ka vaas ho (whatever endeavour we take upon must serve as a home to Goddess Saraswati).

We made dancing girl films, action films, or dacoit dramas, but those products couldn’t find success, except for those centered around values. Also, such is our upbringing as a family that, as a director, we took forward that legacy,” he elaborated and added. “I also tell my son, who is a director now, that he must keep this fact at the back of his mind—that there’s an audience that watches our products with the trust that there will be promised family viewing. So, make your product in such a way that it helps evolve the brand in your own unique way.”

In an industry where stardom still runs high and directors must know the art of handling the elephantine egos, how does Barjatya manage to stay cool, calm, and composed? Does the credit go to practicing meditation religiously? “After making multiple films, I’ve come to this conclusion: it’s important to keep a happy film set. When I started out, I used to be angry sometimes, or there would be irritation, but over the years, I realized that peace is important because, ultimately, you’re dealing with actors and technicians who are artists at the core.

So, peace has to prevail. Also, I do a lot of homework—right from the locations to the costumes to the properties. I study my subject so well that there’s no need to create any discomfort or anger. Meditation has helped me a great deal to reach that place of peace and calmness. It helps you stay detached, therefore more at peace.”

Working With Big B

“I directed Amitabh Bachchan for Unchai (alongside Boman Irani and Anupam Kher), and I must confess here that Bachchan sir comes on the set thoroughly prepared. He is studious and knows his lines to the tee. He may surprise you and ask questions about every line as he wants to know the perspective of the maker before he enters the scene. He is a thorough professional and such a delightful person to work with.”

On his association with Salman Khan!

“As opposed to the image of ease and effortlessness he projects, Salman Bhai is a very focused actor. He knows his craft well. He is always well-prepared and tries to keep the atmosphere around him happy. In reality, he is very disciplined and focused.”