I DON’T GO BY WHAT WORKS OR CLICKS: SOORAJ

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya who is known for his clean family dramas has always tried to impress the audience with his emotional family stories. The filmmaker, who made his directorial debut with the 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya, has successfully survived for so many years.

When asked what relevance means to him, Sooraj Barjatya says, “I read a lot. I meet a lot of people of my age group as well as youngsters. I attend all the events and weddings. I try my best to travel as much as possible. As a filmmaker, I find my soul in all these things. Now, I am not trying to be relevant. I am trying to tell my story in a way that everyone can understand. I am not going by what works or clicks.”

After giving three blockbuster hits — Maine Pyaar Kiya ( 1989), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! ( 1994), Hum Saath Saath Hai ( 1999), the writerdirector faced his first downfall with Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon ( 2003).

The filmmaker says that he was trying to go with what is working with the audience and the film turned out to be his biggest learning. “I tried with one film — Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. It didn’t work because it wasn’t me. Then, invariably, one has to come back to what one is good at and then I made Vivaah, without bothering what works and what doesn’t. This is my way of telling stories. And, you will find your audience if you are being true

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya on n caring about “what works" and producing Hum Chaar.

to yourself. For me, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon has been my greatest learning experience.” Sooraj is taking a plunge yet again by presenting a film Hum Chaar and giving a platform to the newcomers.

“You have to take that plunge. I can make family films but why should the banner be restricted to only family films. The trick is to not try and get those numbers on the first day, but to inform and release smaller,” says the 54year- old filmmaker and adds, “Wait for the word of mouth and you have to be less ambitious and more courageous. Intelligently market the idea. The idea is to send one person to watch it and then the rest will follow by word- of- mouth.” Hum Chaar is based on friendship and is in line with the Rajshri Productions’ philosophy of family first. The film explores the idea that in a world where families are nuclear and joint families are rarely seen, friends become family.