'Was taller than Salman': Why Upasana Singh lost 'Maine Pyar...'
What's the story
Actor Upasana Singh recently opened up about her audition for the iconic 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya. In a recent interview with Galatta India, she revealed that she was initially considered for the lead role of Suman, which eventually went to Bhagyashree. The actor also shared how she confronted Sooraj Barjatya's father, Raj Kumar Barjatya, over this decision years later on the sets of Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon. The film was headlined by Salman Khan.
Audition details
Auditioning for a role in 'Maine Pyar Kiya'
Singh recalled her audition for Maine Pyar Kiya with Barjatya. She said, "I was studying in Chandigarh at that time... So, whenever I used to come to Mumbai, I used to meet all these directors and producers." "Once I came and met Gupta ji (who handles Barjatya's work). He told me that Rajshri is making a film called Maine Pyar Kiya." "He (Barjatya)...just asked me to say 3-4 dialogues. He liked me, and told...that I was selected from his side."
Casting controversy
No call regarding her casting
Despite being selected by Barjatya, Singh never received a call about her casting. "I went back to Chandigarh, but I never received a call. Then, the film was made," she said. "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."
Confrontation
Explanation for not casting Singh
Years later, while shooting for Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, Singh learned from Raj Kumar that she was the first choice for Maine Pyar Kiya. "I got angry and told him, 'You rejected me, why?' He said that it's because I was taller than Salman." "I replied, 'Even Sridevi is taller than him, but she can work with him? Don't fool me!' He said, 'If we would have cast you, you also would have left the industry like Sridevi did.'"
Aftermath
Singh praised Bhagyashree's performance
Despite not being cast, Singh acknowledged Bhagyashree's performance in Maine Pyar Kiya. She said, "It was such a great film, but I didn't watch it for a long time." "I just felt that I would have abused Bhagyashree if I went to watch the film. But she performed really well and deserved that role, but I deserved it more than her." The film also starred Reema Lagoo, Alok Nath, and Mohnish Bahl.