In a surprising revelation, veteran actor Piyush Mishra has expressed his contentment over not having landed the role of ‘Prem’ in Sooraj Barjatya’s directorial debut “Maine Pyar Kiya”—a role that eventually shot Salman Khan to stardom. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Times of India, Piyush Mishra gave insight into the event, shedding light on how it was never much of a big deal for him, contrary to popular perception.
“It’s widely known now that Salman Khan’s role was initially offered to me. It’s something that Sooraj Barjatya himself and his father had considered during the early stages of casting,” Mishra explained. “However, it didn’t go beyond discussions. I was in my third year back then, and it was far from the monumental moment some people make it out to be.”
Elaborating on how the narrative spun out of proportion, Mishra shared, “I don’t understand why this topic blew up so massively. It wasn’t that I had become a star or had actually landed the part. It was merely an exploratory discussion initiated by Raj Kumar Barjatya, Sooraj Barjatya’s father, who came to meet me. He didn’t cast me outright. The situation was overblown, making it seem like I was on the brink of stardom but then the opportunity was taken away from me. That’s not how it happened.”
Mishra further expressed his relief at not bagging the role, attributing it to his lack of readiness, both mentally and emotionally. “I wasn’t ready,” he admitted. “The idea of becoming a star at such a young age, around 26, was something I could not have handled. Mera dimaag ud jaata (my mind would’ve blown). They wanted me to claim that the role was unfairly taken from me, which isn’t true. If it had happened, I would have bagged that big chance prematurely. I was not prepared for that level of success or stardom, and I accept it. I’m glad it didn’t happen,” Mishra candidly said.
“Maine Pyar Kiya”, a 1989 Indian romantic musical film directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya and produced by Rajshri Productions, starred Salman Khan and Bhagyashree in the lead roles.
. The storyline follows Prem and Suman, two young individuals who fall in love and face numerous challenges to be together. The film was a massive commercial hit and a cultural milestone that established Salman Khan as a major Bollywood star.
In the interview, Mishra also touched upon his career journey post the infamous non-role. “After that episode, I went on to work on many other projects. I was able to grow and evolve as an actor at my own pace, without being weighed down by the pressure of instantaneous stardom. I wouldn’t have had this chance to explore the depth and breadth of my craft if I had taken on the role of Prem,” he elaborated.
Reflecting on the years gone by, Mishra seemed at peace with how events unfolded. “Life has its own way of aligning things. I may not have skyrocketed to fame instantly, but my journey has been more fulfilling. I’ve had the opportunity to take on diverse roles, explore varied genres, and come into my own as a seasoned actor. Fate had its own plans, which, in hindsight, were for the best,” he shared.
Beyond this personal revelation, Mishra used the platform to offer advice to budding actors. “Patience and self-awareness are key. Understand that not landing a role, even a big one, isn’t the end of your career. Sometimes, it’s for the best. The industry can be taxing, and without adequate preparation, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. So, focus on your craft, be patient, and opportunities will come knocking when you’re truly ready.”
As the discussion wrapped, Mishra’s retrospective approach provided a distinct glimpse into the tumultuous yet rewarding world of showbiz. His anecdotes serve as a testament to how the paths unchosen can often lead to destinations far richer than immediate success.
“Maine Pyar Kiya” continues to be celebrated as an iconic film in Bollywood history, and Salman Khan remains one of the industry’s most beloved actors. For Piyush Mishra, however, missing out on that opportunity was, in his own words, a twist of fate that he’s glad happened.
