Sooraj Barjatya recalls MF Hussain's REACTION after watching Kareena Kapoor-Hrithik Roshan's 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon': 'I threw my brush at the screen...'

Sooraj Barjatya enjoyed early success with films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. However, his fourth film, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, starring Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and Abhishek Bachchan, flopped. Sooraj later admitted to lacking confidence during its making and received advice from artist MF Husain to stick to his original style.
A Major Lesson from Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon
In a conversation on the YouTube channel Game Changers, Sooraj Barjatya called Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon his “biggest lesson.” He explained that while Hum Saath Saath Hain was a huge hit, it earned only 60% of the business of Hum Aapke Hain Koun. During that time, filmmakers like Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra were making films that appealed to international audiences, often shot in foreign locations. Sooraj decided to follow the trend, thinking it was the right time to adapt to new styles.

Doubts and Lessons During the Filming Process
Sooraj admitted that despite having top stars, a big budget, and all the resources, he felt something was off. He shared that during the film's making, he frequently asked his assistants if things were working and if it would appeal to their generation. He considered this doubt a major lesson in his career.
Father's Warning and MF Husain's Harsh Feedback
Sooraj revealed that this was a first for him, feeling something was wrong because he was trying to be someone he wasn't. His father even advised against making the film due to its huge budget. He also recalled a harsh call from MF Husain, who, after watching the film, said, "What have you made? I threw my brush at the screen in Liberty."

Reconnecting with His Core Values
As Sooraj began to feel embarrassed, MF Husain advised him to reconnect with his core values. He asked Sooraj to imagine a party at his house and what everyone would be wearing. When Sooraj replied, "Sarees," Husain pointed out, "Then why are you making all of this?" He reminded him that audiences loved his films for their purity and emotional depth, not for experimentation. Sooraj still recalls Husain's words clearly.