Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit recently shared a delightful behind-the-scenes anecdote about filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya from the sets of their 1994 blockbuster, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’.
The film, a cultural phenomenon in Indian cinema, is renowned for its elaborate family celebrations and musical numbers.
Dixit recalled Barjatya’s peculiar habit during a special reunion with her co-stars Renuka Shahane and Priya Berde on the Marathi quiz reality show, ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’. Madhuri, who hosts the popular Marathi adaptation of the ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ format, brought together the trio to revisit memories from the film, which premiered over three decades ago.
Narrating the amusing incident, Madhuri explained, “I remember one thing about Sooraj ji. Whenever a new schedule began, he would come wearing new shoes. He had this habit of going up on his toes, and we would all joke about it.” She continued, “After ten days, the shoes would start loosening up.”
Renuka Shahane, who played the pivotal role of Pooja in the film, chimed in, adding, “After fifteen days, they would loosen up even more!” Madhuri concluded the story with a laugh, saying, “Slowly slowly, their shape would change, and by the end, they would become mojaris!” Mojaris are traditional Indian footwear, often soft and pliable, a stark contrast to new, stiff shoes.
This lighthearted memory highlighted the camaraderie among the cast during the making of the beloved family entertainer. ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’, starring Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan in lead roles, with Renuka Shahane as Pooja and Priya Berde as Chameli, remains a significant milestone in Indian cinema, known for its enduring appeal and classic songs. Madhuri also expressed her joy upon learning that Renuka and Priya were part of the cast, underscoring the strong bonds formed during the film’s production.