Director Sooraj Barjatya, known for directing a range of Bollywood classics like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Vivah and more, has turned a year older today.
The famed director is celebrating his 62nd birthday today on February 22. On the special day, Sooraj has been receiving warm wishes from his friends, family and fans. Joining them, is his friend
.who also presented a special gift.
Anupam Kher’s special gift to ‘friend, favourite director’ Sooraj Barjatya on birthday
In a post shared by the Saraansh actor on X (formerly known as Twitter), Anupam praised Barjatya for consistently making films rooted in strong moral values, family bonds, faith and goodness, themes that, according to him, very few filmmakers attempt today.
He wrote, “Happy Birthday, dearest Sooraj Barjatya. In your own quiet, dignified way, you are truly a national treasure. The kind of films you choose to make, filled with values, relationships, faith and goodness, very few even dare to attempt today.”
Anupam Kher on his ‘long association’ with Sooraj Barjatya
Reflecting on their long association, which began with the 1984 film Saaransh, Kher spoke about witnessing Barjatya’s journey over the years. He described it as steady, graceful and deeply rooted in conviction. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor said that knowing Barjatya is like knowing kindness, compassion, honesty and happiness, all without noise or showmanship.
Anupam Kher’s special gift to ‘friend and favourite director’ Sooraj Barjatya
Along with the heartfelt note, the Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge actor also shared a video in which he is seen pinning a small golden miniature of India onto Barjatya’s shirt. Explaining the gesture, he wrote that it symbolised how Barjatya’s films carry the soul of the country. He said the stories he tells, the emotions he preserves and the values he celebrates represent the spirit of India, adding that it was his way of acknowledging that Barjatya carries India both in his cinema and in his heart.
Anupam Kher further shared in his note that despite working in an industry that is constantly evolving, Barjatya has remained firm in his belief that goodness resonates with audiences, something that has touched millions over the years.
He ended the note by thanking Barjatya for his friendship and for continuing to create meaningful cinema, wishing him good health, happiness and many more stories ahead.
What’s keeping Anupam Kher busy?
Meanwhile, on the work front, Anupam Kher is all set to return as Kamal Kishore Khosla in the sequel to Khosla Ka Ghosla!, directed by Dibakar Banerjee. The new film brings back actors like Boman Irani, Parvin Dabas, Ranvir Shorey, Kiran Juneja and Tara Sharma, along with Ravi Kishan. He is also working on a new project with Sooraj Barjatya and has been sharing updates from the sets online.