Not Salman Khan, Deepak Tijori was first choice for lead role, Sooraj Barjatya rejected him due to….

India filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s collaboration needs no introduction. The actor has delivered several hits under Rajshri Productions, owned by Barjatya himself. It all started in 1989, when Maine Pyar Kiya released. The film marked debut year for Salman, Bhagyashree and Barjatya.

Maine Pyar Kiya was truly a milestone in Khan’s career as an actor and Barjatya’s career as a filmmaker. However, did you known that Barjatya’s first choice for lead role in Maine Pyar Kiya was not Salman Khan? Yes you read that right!

Who was Sooraj Barjatya’s first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya?

According to reports, a slew of actors were considered for Salman Khan’s role in Maine Pyar Kiya. Among them was Deepak Tijori, who admitted that he was initially disappointed with Sooraj Barjatya’s casting. In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Deepak revealed that he lost the role to Salman because of looks.

The actor explained that not just the filmmaker but even the women in his family picked Salman over him. “He explained why we are going for Salman Khan is because the women of the family, they have adored Salman’s looks more than you,” Deepak recalled.

How Deepak Tijori felt after getting rejected?

Despite the initial disappointment, Deepak said that he understood the situation practically. Although, he gave a great audition, Sooraj felt Salman was better suitable for the love story. After going through the auditions with his family, Barjatya heavily leaned onto to the feedback- especially from the women who felt Salman more apt for the role.

Deepak admitted the rejection and respected Barjatya’s decision. He appreciated his warmth and honesty and gracefully moved on with no hard feelings.

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