When Bhagyashree Thought Salman Khan Was Flirting on the Sets of Maine Pyar Kiya
Bollywood in the late 1980s witnessed the making of one of its most iconic love stories on screen — Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film catapulted Salman Khan and Bhagyashree into instant stardom and remains one of the most celebrated romances in Hindi cinema. While the audience saw innocent love blossom between “Prem” and “Suman,” behind the scenes, Bhagyashree admits she initially believed Salman was trying to flirt with her.
A Fresh Face and a Rising Star
For Bhagyashree, Maine Pyar Kiya was not just a film but her entry into the world of cinema. Coming from a conservative background, she had little exposure to Bollywood glamour and was still figuring out her comfort zone on set. Salman, too, was at the start of his career, waiting for that one breakthrough role that would establish him as a leading man.
Their chemistry on screen was undeniable, but as Bhagyashree revealed in a recent interview, off screen, things were initially quite confusing for her.
“He Would Follow Me Around”
Bhagyashree recalled that during the shoot of Maine Pyar Kiya, she often noticed Salman around her. She confessed that she thought he was “flirting” with her because of the way he behaved on set.
“He would follow me around, and I wasn’t sure what was happening,” she shared with a laugh.
One incident in particular made her even more suspicious. While shooting for the song “Dil Deewana,” Salman reportedly sat next to her and began singing the lines of the song softly in her ear. For a young newcomer, the gesture was both surprising and a little unsettling.
“I wondered, Why is he singing to me like this? Is he trying to tell me something?” Bhagyashree recalled.
From Confusion to Friendship
What began as playful behavior was soon clarified by Salman himself. The actor eventually pulled Bhagyashree aside and revealed that he already knew about her relationship with her then-boyfriend (and later husband) Himalaya Dasani. He reassured her that he was not trying to romantically pursue her, but was instead being a friend.
That moment, Bhagyashree explained, helped her see Salman in a different light. What she had initially mistaken for flirting turned out to be friendly banter and an attempt to make her feel comfortable during her debut project.
Salman at Bhagyashree’s Wedding
Their bond grew stronger as filming progressed, and by the end of the project, Salman and Bhagyashree had become close friends. So much so that when Bhagyashree got married to Himalaya Dasani, Salman played a special role — he was very much on “team bride.” His presence at her wedding symbolized the genuine respect and camaraderie they had built during the film’s making.
Even today, decades later, Bhagyashree fondly remembers that period as one of innocence, laughter, and friendships that extended beyond the silver screen.
The Legacy of Maine Pyar Kiya
Released in December 1989, Maine Pyar Kiya became a blockbuster and is still regarded as one of Bollywood’s greatest love stories. Its songs — Kabootar Ja Ja Ja, Dil Deewana, and Aate Jaate — became anthems of young romance in the 1990s. The film not only launched the careers of Salman Khan and Bhagyashree but also set a new standard for family dramas in Hindi cinema.
For Bhagyashree, though she later chose to step away from films to focus on her family life, the movie remains her most iconic work. Salman, on the other hand, went on to become one of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema. Yet, their bond from those days of innocence and youthful energy continues to be remembered fondly by fans.
A Sweet Anecdote in Bollywood History
Bhagyashree’s confession that she once mistook Salman’s friendliness for flirting offers a heartwarming glimpse into the innocence of their early days in the industry. In a world often dominated by headlines of controversies and rivalries, such stories remind us of the warmth, laughter, and camaraderie that exist behind the camera.
Their journey from co-stars to lifelong friends is yet another reason why Maine Pyar Kiya continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences, even after more than three decades.
✅ In summary: What Bhagyashree once thought was Salman Khan’s attempt at wooing her turned out to be playful friendship, making their behind-the-scenes story just as memorable as the film itself.
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