Salman Khan, one of Bollywood’s most beloved actors, made his lead debut in the 1989 film ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, which turned him into an overnight star. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film’s success established Salman in the industry, resulting in numerous collaborations with the director in the following years. Interestingly, during the making of the film ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, Sooraj Barjatya had considered casting none other than the King of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan, for a pivotal role.
Hum Saath Saath Hain: A Look Back at the Iconic Film
Released in 1999, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Mohinish Bahl, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Karisma Kapoor, and Tabu. The movie received a warm reception from audiences, earning it a place in Bollywood history. In this film, Saif played the character Vinod; however, he wasn’t the first choice for the role. Sooraj Barjatya had originally approached Shahrukh Khan for this character.
What Did Sooraj Barjatya Say About Shahrukh Khan?
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, director Sooraj Barjatya revealed that many years ago, he had discussions with Shahrukh Khan regarding the role of Vinod in ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’. Despite the meetings, the collaboration did not solidify, and the reasons for this are not publicly known. Sooraj highlighted the excitement he had for possibly seeing the dynamic duo of Shahrukh and Salman share the screen for the first time in this family drama.
The Impact of Hum Saath Saath Hain on Bollywood
Had Shahrukh accepted the role, it could have marked the beginning of a new cinematic partnership between two of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Nevertheless, audiences warmly embraced Salman, Mohinish, and Saif in their respective roles, showcasing their chemistry as brothers. The film’s familial themes resonated well, contributing to its success in the box office.
Box Office Performance
According to Box Office India, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ had a production budget of ₹17 crores and grossed an impressive ₹81.71 crores worldwide. The film featured notable actors like Alok Nath, Satish Shah, Shakti Kapoor, and Neelam Kothari, all contributing to its box office triumph. This film not only solidified Salman Khan’s status as a leading actor but also demonstrated the enduring appeal of family-oriented narratives in Indian cinema.