In 1989 Tarachand Barjatya’s grandson and Rajkumar Barjatya’s son, Sooraj Barjatya released Maine Pyaar Kiya which was a super success and became a reference point for generations of filmmakers to come. Spontaneously or by design Sooraj had walked into his grandfather’s footsteps, combined a great story with great music, introduced a new face/ Bhagyashree, re-introduced a star/Salman Khan and most important, revived wholesome entertainer which had been the trademark of the banner.
Tarachand Barjatya was at peace that Rajshri banner was in his right hands and breathed his last. The year was 1992. At that time Sooraj was making Hum AapKe Hai Kaun and will always regret that his grandfather did not get to watch his mega success based on the banner’s old film Nadiya Ke Paar. In years to come, Sooraj remade Chitchor as Main Prem Ki Deewanee / 2003 not as successfully though and paid tribute to the joint family in Hum Saath Saath Hain/ 1997. His Vivaah/ 2006 was an insight into the arranged marriages and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo/ 2015 a peep into royalty.
Some years ago, I was invited for a wedding in the Barjatya family and I went for it only because I was curious to decipher the reel from the real but the fact is I got even confused because the celebrations seemed like being on multiple sets of Sooraj Barjatya films.