35 Years of Maine Pyar Kiya: Bhagyashree Reflects on Salman Khan’s ‘Flirting’ on Set

Sooraj Barjatya’s iconic film Maine Pyar Kiya, which hit screens in 1989, recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. Starring Salman Khan and Bhagyashree in the lead roles, the film was a massive box-office success, captivating audiences with its heartfelt story, memorable songs, and the sizzling chemistry between its lead pair.

In a candid conversation with Kovid Gupta Films on YouTube, Bhagyashree reminisced about her experience working on the film, revealing a light-hearted incident where she believed Salman was flirting with her during the shoot.

Recalling the moment, Bhagyashree shared, “I was feeling lonesome because I had no family with me. We had to shoot Dil Deewana, and suddenly Salman came and sat right next to me and started singing the song into my ear. He had always been such a gentleman on set and so nice to me that I couldn’t understand. Well, it just seemed like crossing the line over flirting and I said, ‘Why is he doing this?’”

He would follow me around and keep singing the song and I was like ‘What’s happening here?’ He finally took me to the side and said, ‘I know!’ I was like really? He said, ‘I know who you are in love with.’” As Salman mentioned the name of Bhagyashree’s future husband, Himalaya, she recalled feeling shocked. “He said, ‘I know about Himalaya. Why don’t you call him here?’ I was like, ‘Oh my god! This can’t be happening.’”

- Bhagyasree

The actress revealed that the incident marked the beginning of a unique friendship between her and Salman, one that has endured over the years.

To mark the film's milestone, Maine Pyar Kiya was re-released in theatres on August 23. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film narrates the tender love story of Prem and Suman, portrayed by Salman and Bhagyashree, as they navigate their journey from friendship to romance.

The film also starred Alok Nath, Mohnish Bahl, Reema Lagoo, Rajeev Verma, and Ajit Vachani in pivotal roles. Barjatya, who introduced Salman as Bollywood’s quintessential lover boy through Maine Pyar Kiya, went on to create cinematic magic with him again in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Hum Saath-Saath Hain.