It’s no secret that Bollywood’s casting choices often make headlines, but some stories leave fans scratching their heads. One such revelation came from actor Upasana Singh, who disclosed that she was initially considered for the lead role in Maine Pyar Kiya a role that ultimately launched Bhagyashree into stardom alongside Salman Khan. The reason she didn’t make the cut? Her height.
Upasana Singh On Maine Pyar Kiya
The 1989 film, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, became a defining moment in Bollywood, giving Salman Khan his big break and making Bhagyashree a household name. But, as it turns out, Bhagyashree wasn’t the first choice for the female lead. Upasana, who later became a popular face on Indian television through Comedy Nights with Kapil, was originally selected by Sooraj Barjatya himself.
During her audition process, Sooraj was reportedly impressed and assured her that she was almost finalized for the role. However, when she met Raj Kumar Barjatya, Sooraj’s father and a key decision-maker in the Rajshri Productions banner, things took an unexpected turn. Upasana learned soon after that she had been dropped from consideration. While the rejection wasn’t communicated harshly true to Rajshri’s reputation for being warm and cordial she never received a follow-up call.
Years later, the truth came out. On the set of Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003), where Upasana reunited with Sooraj Barjatya, Raj Kumar Barjatya shared the backstory. In front of co-stars Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, and Abhishek Bachchan, Raj Kumar revealed that Upasana had been their first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya. The revelation left the cast surprised. Upasana humorously confronted him, joking that his decision cost her the role that could have transformed her career.
Raj Kumar, however, had his reasons. He candidly admitted that Upasana’s height played a deciding factor. She was taller than Salman Khan, and the team wanted the female lead to appear slightly shorter than the male protagonist on screen. He also mused that if Upasana had been cast, she might have faced the same trajectory as Bhagyashree, who famously stepped away from Bollywood after the film’s release. The irony of the situation lies in Maine Pyar Kiya’s eventual success. The film not only set new benchmarks in the romantic genre but also became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Salman Khan as a star. With its iconic dialogues, memorable music, and timeless love story, it remains one of Bollywood’s most cherished classics.
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Upasana, on the other hand, went on to carve her own niche in the entertainment industry. While she didn’t get to play Salman Khan’s love interest, her comedic timing and versatility have earned her a lasting place in the hearts of audiences.
This anecdote sheds light on the often-overlooked biases in Bollywood’s casting decisions. Could a few inches of height really outweigh talent? It’s a question that continues to spark debate, especially in an industry where optics and aesthetics often take precedence over merit.