Bollywood’s undisputed maestro of the grand Indian family saga, Sooraj R. Barjatya, has officially lifted the curtain on his next directorial project. After months of speculation, the filmmaker has confirmed that shooting is already underway for his latest film, featuring the fresh pairing of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in the lead.
The announcement has not only thrilled cinephiles but also sparked a burning question among Rajshri loyalists — could Ayushmann be stepping into the timeless shoes of ‘Prem’, the beloved on-screen persona immortalised by Salman Khan in some of Barjatya’s most cherished blockbusters?
“A Dedicated and Fine Actor”
Speaking to PTI, Barjatya expressed admiration for his leading man, calling Ayushmann a “dedicated and fine actor” whose craft and sincerity are evident on set. The director, known for his rich ensemble storytelling, also confirmed that this new project would be no exception:
“Besides them, we’ve more people in the cast, like how we’ve it in all my films,”
he shared, signalling the return of the multi-generational ensemble format that has become his cinematic signature.
The Veteran’s Ever-Present ‘Nervousness’
Despite a career spanning over three decades, with genre-defining hits such as Maine Pyaar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! under his belt, Barjatya confessed that the butterflies in his stomach never truly go away.
“As a creator, it’s not about how much box office (numbers) it will do, it’s about whether you’re able to connect or not, with that thought or scene,”
he explained, noting that the real challenge lies in crafting an honest, emotionally resonant world.
Barjatya’s focus, as ever, is on weaving stories steeped in familial warmth and values — the kind of films that have made Rajshri Productions a household name in Indian cinema.
Is Ayushmann the New ‘Prem’?
While the director is keeping the finer details of the characters under wraps, industry buzz suggests that Ayushmann Khurrana may indeed take on the iconic role of ‘Prem’. The name carries an almost mythic status in Bollywood, synonymous with the virtuous, charming, and selfless hero at the heart of Rajshri tales.
For audiences who grew up watching Salman Khan’s many incarnations of Prem, this would mark a significant passing of the torch — a fresh chapter for a character that has been central to the Rajshri cinematic universe for over three decades.
About Sooraj Barjatya
One of Indian cinema’s most respected filmmakers, Sooraj R. Barjatya has built his reputation on stories that celebrate love, tradition, and family bonds. Under the Rajshri Productions banner, he has delivered some of Bollywood’s most successful and enduring hits, including:
Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989)
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999)
Vivaah (2006)
Each film has reinforced his belief in wholesome, values-driven storytelling, with the character of ‘Prem’ serving as a recurring embodiment of Rajshri ideals.
With shooting already in progress and Ayushmann Khurrana stepping into the Rajshri fold alongside Sharvari, anticipation is building for what could be the next big chapter in India’s most iconic family drama legacy. Whether Ayushmann becomes the new Prem or not, one thing is certain — Barjatya is set to deliver another heartfelt cinematic celebration of love, relationships, and tradition.
