Sooraj Barjatya’s homage to Mughal-e-Azam in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
It has truly been a closely guarded secret! Sooraj Barjatya, who has reunited with Salman Khan in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo that releases on November 12, is paying his homage to the cult classic Mughal-e-Azam in his film. The iconic director known for his classic blockbuster family films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Apke Hain Kaun, has constructed a Sheesh Mahal for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in Karjat.
The Sheesh Mahal is similar to the one that was constructed for Dilip Kumar’s Mughal-e-Azam and plays a very integral part of the film. Sooraj ji and the entire unit has decided to cut a cake for veteran art director Nitin Desai (who has constructed the sheesh mahal for the Salman starrer) inside the Sheesh Mahal on Aug 5, to bring in Nitin’s birthday. Interestingly, 55 years back, Mughal-e-Azam had also released on August 5th and went on to become an iconic film and the Sheesh Mahal was immortalised on celluloid.
Sooraj Barjatya says, “I have always been inspired, awed and overwhelmed by Mughal-e-Azam – a film that has always fueled my imagination as a writer and director. Everything about this film is iconic and we have indeed tried to pay homage to this cult classic in our film by constructing the Sheesh Mahal. It’s our tribute to the film that shaped the Indian film industry in many many ways. Sheesh Mahal plays a very intrinsic role in the plot of the film. How Salman’s story and the Sheesh Mahal is also connected will be revealed when the film releases onNovember 12.”
“A magnificent Sheesh Mahal of Mughal-e-Azam was witnessed 55 years ago after which every artist dreamt of making a similar set. I feel honoured to have my birthday being celebrated on a Sheeshmahal that has been created by me and my team. It’s a dream come true. I would like to dedicate it to the entire film industry. This dream has been possible because of Rajshri productions and I would like to thank Soorajji, Salman, Maniji and the team of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo for making it happen,” says Nitin Chandrakant Desai (Production Designer)
“The Sheesh Mahal of Mughal-e Azam was a landmark of Architecture and Art direction of all times till now. When Sooraj Sir wanted to have a Sheesh Mahal in our film we were really excited. Nitinji and I wanted to make his dream into reality… And… this is what we have done. We are very proud to present our Sheesh Mahal as a tribute to K. Asif Sir’s Sheesh Mahal,” says V. Manikandan (Director of Photography)