Mohnish Bahl remembers the late producer Rajkumar Barjatya, father of Sooraj Barjatya, who passed away on Thursday
Mohnish Bahl (MID-DAY; February 22, 2019)

I owe my career completely to the Barjatyas. Raj Kumar Barjatya ji was like an older statesman and benefactor. Whatever I am today, it is because of him, and his production house [Rajshri Productions].

The most amazing part about Raj Kumar ji was that he was always calm and composed; one who could handle all kinds of situations with a lot of care. On set, there would often be ups and downs, but I never saw him lose his cool. In fact, he would always have a fair opinion [about any situation].

He was a fair human being, and, on a personal note, they [Barjatyas] have been intrinsic in giving me the career that I have. His values were simple. I remember my audition for Maine Pyar Kiya. They had liked my work, but were worried about casting me in a negative role, because of my mother [Nutan]. They wondered how they could launch the son of an actress who had, throughout her career, done beautiful roles. They told me about their reservations, but, I told them it wouldn't matter. Things eventually worked out in my favour.

Later, while shooting for Hum Aapke Hai Koun, Raj Kumar ji revealed to me that he had spoken to my mother, and had promised her that he would give me a positive role; one that was worthy, [like that of a] lead character, and he fulfilled it with Hum Aapke Hai Koun. That is how just the man was. He will truly be missed.

As told to Sonil Dedhia




Bhagyashree; Bahl; Sachin Pilgaonkar


Swara Bhasker; Soni Razdan and Bhatt