Three decades on, Renuka Shahane is revisiting her time on the sets of Sooraj Barjatya‘s 1994 hit ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’. Now 32 years since its release, the film is still regarded as a landmark in Indian family cinema. Shahane, who portrayed Pooja Choudhury, shares what it was like to work alongside Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Barjatya himself. She describes Khan as full of pranks and mischief during filming, but also speaks warmly of how generous he was toward his fellow actors.
Renuka Shahane on Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit
Speaking to Variety India, Renuka Shahane opened up about her co-stars and her time on the film. On Salman Khan, she said, “Salman (Khan) was very mischievous. But he would be very appreciative of everyone when we did long takes.” She was equally warm about Madhuri Dixit, noting, “Madhuri (Dixit) and I share a warm and comfortable relationship, both on and off screen. It was also a dream come true to work with her. She is one of the best co-actors I have ever worked with. I still maintain that. She is a fantastic actor.”Shahane also counts her association with Rajshri Productions and Barjatya as a major milestone in her career. “I also carry memories of working with Rajshri Productions. Sooraj Barjatya is one of the finest directors,” she says.
Renuka Shahane on why family entertainers still matter
Sooraj Barjatya remains committed to the family-entertainer genre, and his next project, ‘Ye Prem Mol Liya’, will be the latest title in his filmography. Shahane feels his style of filmmaking still has takers, especially now that theatrical releases aimed at the whole family have become uncommon. “Yes, they would. People are looking for things they can see as a family. These entertainers are rare now. I am sure that they would love to go as a family. Little kids would want to go with their grandparents and watch a movie. It’s a different vibe,” she says.
About ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’
Released on 5 August 1994, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ features Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan in lead roles. The film is a tribute to Indian wedding customs, told through the bond between two families linked by marriage, and explores the idea of giving up one’s own love for the sake of family.
