MORALS AND MORE..

SOORAJ BARJATYA MAKES HIS FILMMAKING FUNDAS CLEAR TO SRIJITA SEN

He might not be inked otherwise but surely has the word sanskar tattooed on his heart. When I arrive at Rajshri Productions' office in Prabhadevi on a rather early Tuesday morning to meet Sooraj Barjatya, I am expecting a strict, perhaps even intimidating figure, given his stature and legacy. However, I am greeted by a warm, kind gentleman in his 60s, who immediately makes me feel as though we've known each other for years. At one point during our conversation, he casually mentions that decades ago, a certain Salman Khan had come to his office and sat in the very same spot I am occupying. I am naturally thrilled. Barjatya was barely 24 when Maine Pyar Kiya got released. My generation grew up watching his films but sometimes found ourselves questioning some of the dialogue or scenes. He agrees with my perspective, giving his opinion without a trace of arrogance. Rajshri Productions, under his leadership, recently made its OTT debut with the series Bada Naam Karenge (BNK). Here is a freewheeling conversation. Excerpts:

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE BNK?