The 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya became a massive hit, cementing Salman Khan’s place in Bollywood. Playing the role of Prem, Salman Khan captured the hearts of millions. The film became a cult classic, and even after 35 years, it still holds a special place in Indian cinema. On August 23, 2024, Maine Pyar Kiya was re-released in theaters, rekindling memories of its original release. But did you know that Salman Khan broke down in tears during the shooting of the famous song “Kabootar Ja Ja”? Let’s uncover the story behind this emotional moment.
Salman’s Emotional Breakdown During ‘Kabootar Ja Ja’
In an interview with Hello! Indo-Arabia, Salman Khan shared a touching moment from the shoot of Maine Pyar Kiya. He recalled how he was moved to tears while filming the song “Kabootar Ja Ja.” At just 18 years old, Salman had a hard time believing he was the one cast in the lead role. He always envisioned stars like Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff in such roles. But during the shoot, a sudden realization hit him: this role was his. “I suddenly realized that this role was for me. That brought tears to my eyes,” he said. It was the first time Salman truly felt he could succeed in the film industry.
From Supporting Actor to Superstar
Before Maine Pyar Kiya, Salman Khan had a small role in Biwi Ho To Aisi as a supporting actor. However, Maine Pyar Kiya was his big break, and both he and co-star Bhagyashree made their debuts as lead actors with this film. While Salman went on to become one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Bhagyashree chose to step away from the limelight to focus on her family.
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Salman’s Father Predicted the Film’s Success
Mohnish Bahl, who played the antagonist Jeevan in Maine Pyar Kiya, shared an interesting tidbit about the film’s pre-release buzz. He was close to Salman’s family and recalled how Salman’s father, Salim Khan, was confident about the film’s success. According to Mohnish, Salim Khan predicted that Maine Pyar Kiya would be a hit even before it hit the screens. His prediction proved accurate as the film went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters of its time.
A Game-Changer for Bollywood’s Romantic Genre
When Maine Pyar Kiya was released, action films dominated the Indian box office. The film played a pivotal role in popularizing the romantic genre in Bollywood. Its success paved the way for more romantic films in an industry that was heavily skewed towards action-packed dramas. The film was so well-received that it was later dubbed and released in Tamil and Telugu, where it also performed exceptionally well.
Revisiting the Magic After 35 Years
The re-release of Maine Pyar Kiya in theaters after 35 years brought back memories for fans and introduced the magic of Prem and Suman’s love story to a new generation. The film’s timeless appeal and the emotional depth it captured have kept it relevant even after all these years.
Salman Khan’s journey from a young actor unsure of his place in the industry to becoming one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars is nothing short of inspiring. The emotional moment he experienced while filming “Kabootar Ja Ja” remains a testament to his deep connection with the role and the film that changed his life forever.
