Upasana Singh reveals she was first choice for *Maine Pyaar Kiya

Actor Upasana Singh has disclosed that she was initially considered for the lead role of Suman in Sooraj Barjatya's iconic 1989 film Maine Pyaar Kiya. The role, which ultimately went to Bhagyashree, marked a turning point in Bollywood history, but Singh revealed that losing out on the opportunity left her heartbroken. Reflecting on the experience, she recounted confronting filmmaker Raj Kumar Barjatya years later to understand why she was not cast.

Speaking to Galatta India, Upasana shared that she was studying in Chandigarh when she auditioned for the film. Driven by her dream of becoming a heroine, she would visit Mumbai and meet producers and directors during her trips. It was during one such visit that she was introduced to Sooraj Barjatya through a member of the Rajshri Productions team.

Recalling the audition process, Upasana said the director was impressed by her after a brief interaction. "He didn't take a proper audition, just asked me to say 3-4 dialogues. He liked me and told Gupta ji that I was selected from his side," she revealed. Following this, she was asked to meet Sooraj Barjatya's father, Raj Kumar Barjatya, before returning to Chandigarh, expecting a call from the production house. However, the call never came, and the film was made without her.

The actor admitted that losing the role deeply affected her, and she avoided watching Maine Pyaar Kiya for a long time. "I didn't go to watch the film for a long time because I was feeling upset that I was the heroine and it was made without me. I didn't tell anyone that I was selected because it felt insulting," she shared.

Years later, while shooting Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon in Switzerland, Upasana finally received an explanation from Raj Kumar Barjatya. In front of the cast and crew, he acknowledged that she had been the first choice for Maine Pyaar Kiya. Surprised by the revelation, Upasana confronted him, asking, "You rejected me, why?" According to her, Barjatya explained that she was considered too tall opposite Salman Khan.

Upasana, however, challenged this reasoning, pointing out that taller actresses like Sridevi had worked successfully with Salman Khan. She recalled replying, "Even Sridevi is taller than him, but she can work with him? Don't fool me!" Barjatya reportedly joked, "If we would have cast you, you also would have left the industry like Sridevi did."

Reflecting on the film's success, Upasana admitted that missing out on such a landmark project was painful. She initially avoided watching the film out of disappointment but later acknowledged Bhagyashree's performance. "She performed really well and deserved that role, but I deserved it more than her. Salman knew about this," she said.

Maine Pyaar Kiya, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, went on to become a massive blockbuster, establishing Salman Khan and Bhagyashree as stars. The film also featured Reema Lagoo, Alok Nath, and Mohnish Bahl in pivotal roles.