Not Bhagyashree, Upasana Singh was first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya, was dropped for Salman Khan!

1989's timeless love story Maine Pyar Kiya marked Salman Khan's debut as the male lead and Bhagyashree's debut in Bollywood. Eminent filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya's romantic drama emerged as a massive commercial success. While the audience and critics showered praises on Salman and Bhagyashree for their stellar performance, the songs became top chartbusters. However, did you know that Bhagyashree was not the first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya? Recently, actress Upasana Singh revealed that she was the first choice for Suman (the female lead character). However, she was dropped from the movie because of Salman Khan.

During a recent interview with Siddharth Kanan, Upasana recalled her meeting with filmmaker Sooraj after she arrived in Mumbai. The Comedy Nights With Kapil fame further said that Sooraj Barjatya expressed confidence in her selection after she auditioned for Suman. The Judaai actress revealed that the filmmaker discussed the film and the role (Suman). The filmmaker also said that he was okay from his side but asked Upasana to meet his father.

Later, Sooraj introduced Upasana to his father Raj Kumar Barjatya. It was then when things took different turn. Raj Kumar didn't approve Upasana for the role and they didn't even call her back to let her know about their decision.

Years later, when Upasana came on board for Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, produced under Rajshri Productions, Raj Kumar Barjatya publicly acknowledged that she was the original choice for Suman. Upasana further added that Raj Kumar had admitted it in the presence of Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Kareena Kapoor.

Also Check | Big South Director invited me to hotel late at night for 'sitting': Comedy Nights With Kapil fame Upasana Singh reveals it all

Of course, the shocking revelations left everyone on the set surprised.

While Upasana playfully blamed Raj Kumar for her missing out on the role, the producer joked that if she had played the lead, she would have left the industry just like Bhagyashree.

Furthermore, she also revealed the reason why Raj Kumar rejected her. She said that the filmmakers wanted someone considerably shorter than Salman to create an idealised on-screen dynamic. The filmmaker clarified that as she was taller than Salman, she was dropped.

"So, Salman Khan is the reason why I missed out on Maine Pyar Kiya," Upasana said jokingly.

Must Read | Neetu Kapoor's 'Mommies' click with Soni Razdan triggers serious speculations; Here's why