When Amrita Rao recalled her first meeting with 'Vivah' director Sooraj Barjatya
Mumbai, July 20
Actress Amrita Rao's iconic role as Poonam in Sooraj Barjatya's 'Vivah' enjoys a special place in the hearts of movie buffs. During a media interaction, Amrita had recalled how she bagged the role.
Remembering her first meeting with the celebrated director, she revealed that, unaware of the role she was being approached for, she went to meet Barjatya wearing in jeans and t-shirt.
"When I met Suraj ji for the first time, I had no clue what his expectations were for me, what form he wanted to see me in. I had no idea. So I went dressed completely in western jeans and a t-shirt like a total contemporary Bombayite to find that the role he wants me to enact is a small town girl from Madhupur who is Poonam", she shared.
Amrita further remembered how she was left absolutely shocked that Barjatya thought of her for 'Vivah', after seeing her in 'Legend of Bhagat Singh', a movie where she barely had any screen time.
Sharing the first thing the director told her, Amrita continued, "But one thing I really, really will not forget is the first thing Suraj ji said to me was, 'I really liked you in that film of yours'. And in that split second, you know, my mind went to all the big box office hit films that I've usually been associated with. But to my surprise, he said something like 'Legend of Bhagat Singh', you know, jaha pe kul mila kar I think screen pe I was just barely enough for seven minutes. So that was very touchy because that role had made an impact on someone like Sooraj Barjatya."
'Vivah' turned out to be the biggest commercial success at that point for the lead pair of the drama, Amrita Rao and Shahid Kapoor.
Produced and distributed by Rajshri Productions, 'Vivah' is the first Indian film to be simultaneously released in theatres and on the internet.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I still cry every time I watch Vivah. 😭 The simplicity of the love story, the music, and Amrita's performance — everything was perfect. She was so down-to-earth even back then, going for a meeting in jeans without any pretense. Respect!
Interesting behind-the-scenes story. But I've always felt that Vivah idealized a certain kind of relationship that's not very realistic in today's world. Still, Amrita's humility in the meeting is commendable.
That's what makes Sooraj Barjatya special — he doesn't just look at commercial success. He looks at the actor's soul in the role. Amrita's seven minutes in Bhagat Singh left a lasting impression, and that's why Vivah worked. Pure cinema! 👏
I didn't know the film was also released on the internet simultaneously. That was ahead of its time! Amrita's journey is inspiring — from just 7 minutes in a film to becoming the face of a blockbuster love story. She deserves all the appreciation.
Amrita is still so graceful and humble. 💫 Many actors would've tried to act smart or overprepare, but she went in as herself — and that honesty won Sooraj ji over. This story is a lesson for all aspiring actors: be authentic.
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