When it comes to Indian cinema’s most enduring love stories and family sagas, few names command the reverence of Sooraj R. Barjatya. For over three decades, the Rajshri Productions torchbearer has crafted films that have not only broken box-office records but also carved themselves into the emotional memory of an entire nation. His cinema is instantly recognisable — warm colours, large joint families, grand celebrations, tear-jerking farewells, and of course, a hero named ‘Prem’.

Now, after months of industry whispers and speculative headlines, Barjatya has officially confirmed his next directorial venture — a Mumbai-set family drama starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in lead roles. The pairing is fresh, unexpected, and intriguing. But the biggest question it raises is one that’s lighting up fan discussions everywhere: is Ayushmann the new Prem?

A Confirmed Start, A Fresh Lead Pairing

Speaking to PTI, Sooraj Barjatya revealed that the film’s shoot is already underway. He sounded confident and deeply appreciative of his choice for the male lead.

“Ayushmann is a dedicated and fine actor,”
he said, words that carry weight coming from a filmmaker known for extracting sincerity and warmth from his performers.

In classic Rajshri style, the new project won’t be confined to just the central romance. Barjatya confirmed a larger ensemble cast, explaining:

“Besides them, we’ve more people in the cast, like how we’ve it in all my films.”

That statement alone is enough to spark excitement. After all, a Sooraj Barjatya ensemble is never merely background filler — each character, from the doting grandmother to the cheeky younger cousin, plays a role in the emotional tapestry of his stories.

The Nerves That Never Go Away

Despite his towering reputation, Barjatya admits to still feeling the same sense of apprehension he had when making his debut film Maine Pyaar Kiya back in 1989.

“As a creator, it’s not about how much box office (numbers) it will do, it’s about whether you’re able to connect or not, with that thought or scene,”
he explained.

For a director of his calibre, this nervousness isn’t insecurity — it’s integrity. His measure of success has never been limited to collections and awards; it’s been about whether his audiences leave the theatre feeling warmer, happier, and more connected to their loved ones.

The Legacy of ‘Prem’

The biggest speculation around this announcement lies in one four-letter name: Prem.

In Rajshri cinema, Prem is not just a character; he’s a symbol. First brought to life by Salman Khan in Maine Pyaar Kiya, Prem became the quintessential ideal — charming yet respectful, romantic yet selfless, modern yet deeply rooted in tradition. Salman went on to reprise variations of the role in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), among others.

The character has come to embody Rajshri’s brand of cinema: a hero who loves with his heart, respects his family with devotion, and embodies values that transcend generations. Passing that mantle to Ayushmann Khurrana would mark a generational shift for Rajshri — a reimagining of Prem for a more contemporary India, while retaining the core essence of who Prem is.

Why Ayushmann Fits the Rajshri World

At first glance, Ayushmann Khurrana might seem like an unconventional choice for a Barjatya film. He’s made his mark in socially relevant, often unconventional narratives like Andhadhun, Article 15, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. But it’s exactly this combination of relatability and range that could make him a perfect Rajshri hero.

Ayushmann’s on-screen persona often carries sincerity, charm, and an everyman appeal. In many ways, those qualities align perfectly with Prem’s emotional DNA. And if this project indeed casts him in that mould, it could be a career-defining moment — one where he merges his modern sensibilities with the timeless charm of Rajshri storytelling.

Sharvari – The New Rajshri Leading Lady

Sharvari, who has impressed in her early outings like Bunty Aur Babli 2 and The Forgotten Army, represents a fresh face for Rajshri heroines. Barjatya’s female leads have historically been as important as his male ones — Nisha (Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!), Poonam (Vivaah), and Suman (Maine Pyaar Kiya) remain etched in popular memory.

Rajshri heroines are never just love interests; they are moral anchors, emotional centres, and often the heart of the family narrative. If past films are anything to go by, Sharvari’s role is likely to be pivotal to the story’s emotional resonance.

The Sooraj Barjatya Hallmarks We Can Expect

While plot details remain tightly guarded, history gives us some confident predictions:

A Grand Joint Family Setting – Expect multiple generations under one roof, with intertwining subplots of love, sacrifice, and misunderstanding.

Music as a Narrative Tool – From Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai to Joote Dedo Paise Lelo, Barjatya’s soundtracks have always driven emotion and story.

Festivals & Rituals – Weddings, religious ceremonies, and cultural festivities will almost certainly be centrepieces.

Moral Conflicts Over Villainy – In Rajshri cinema, the antagonist is rarely a person; it’s often ego, misunderstanding, or societal pressure.

A Climax That Heals – Whatever turmoil occurs, the resolution is usually a cathartic return to love and unity.

Rajshri – A Banner Built on Emotion

Founded in 1947 by Tarachand Barjatya, Rajshri Productions has been synonymous with wholesome, family-oriented entertainment. Under Sooraj Barjatya’s direction, the banner redefined the Indian family drama, making it aspirational yet relatable.

His Maine Pyaar Kiya in 1989 was a game-changer for Bollywood romance, while Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! in 1994 became a cultural phenomenon, influencing wedding customs across India. Hum Saath-Saath Hain in 1999 reinforced the power of the joint family narrative, and Vivaah in 2006 brought back simplicity and innocence in love stories.

Even in a changing cinematic landscape, Barjatya has stuck to his vision — making films about values, relationships, and togetherness.

Why This Film Could Be Pivotal

Barjatya’s choice of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari suggests a desire to bridge tradition with contemporary sensibilities. The younger generation of audiences is less accustomed to the kind of unabashed sentimentality that defined Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! or Vivaah. But in Ayushmann, Barjatya might have found the perfect actor to reintroduce the Prem archetype in a way that feels authentic to 2020s India.

If done well, this film could mark the rebirth of the Prem legacy — honouring what came before while speaking to a modern audience.

The Road Ahead

While no release date has been confirmed, production is already underway, and excitement is palpable. The combination of Rajshri’s nostalgia, Ayushmann’s credibility, and Sharvari’s fresh appeal promises a film that could stand as both a continuation of a beloved tradition and a bold new chapter.

Whether Ayushmann officially carries the ‘Prem’ name or not, Sooraj Barjatya’s next is shaping up to be more than just another release — it’s the return of a cinematic world audiences have long cherished. And in a time when films often chase spectacle over soul, perhaps a dose of Rajshri’s trademark warmth is exactly what the box office, and the audience’s heart, needs.