For over three decades, Salman Khan redefined Indian family entertainment as Prem — the soft-hearted, charming, and dutiful hero of Sooraj Barjatya’s films. From Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! to Hum Saath Saath Hain and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, the name Prem became symbolic of the Barjatya brand of love and family values.
Now, the iconic mantle is being passed to Ayushmann Khurrana, who will headline Sooraj Barjatya’s upcoming family drama — a fresh take on the beloved “Prem” legacy.
Ayushmann Steps Into Salman’s Iconic Role
In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Ayushmann confirmed that he will play the next Prem in Sooraj Barjatya’s film. The actor acknowledged the emotional weight of taking over such a cherished character, saying:
“Yes, big shoes to fill. But I’m glad that, you know, we met somewhere in the middle, Sooraj sir and I, because he’s come really towards my genre, and I’ve got to do it since. So that’ll be a good marriage.”
Known for blending realism with charm in films like Vicky Donor, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, and Dream Girl, Ayushmann is expected to bring a modern sensitivity to Barjatya’s classic family universe.
The Evolution of ‘Prem’
Barjatya’s Prem has always stood for purity, love, and traditional values, reflecting the director’s storytelling philosophy. With Ayushmann on board, the film aims to bridge generations — keeping the emotional warmth intact while making the character relatable to today’s audience.
A source close to the production revealed,
“This won’t be a replica of Salman’s Prem. Ayushmann’s version will be more rooted in today’s world — still charming, but also progressive and self-aware.”
Sooraj Barjatya Returns to His Signature Style
After Uunchai (2022), which celebrated friendship and emotional bonds, Sooraj Barjatya is set to return to his home turf of family values, music, and relationships. The upcoming film is being described as a “quintessential Barjatya entertainer” — complete with grand wedding sequences, moral conflicts, and timeless music.
The director’s collaboration with Ayushmann marks a fresh creative partnership — one that could redefine the traditional “Prem” archetype for Gen-Z and millennial audiences alike.
A Modern Prem for a New Generation
Ayushmann Khurrana’s casting signals a new chapter in Bollywood’s family-film era. Known for playing unconventional, relatable men, Ayushmann could make Prem more realistic, flawed, yet deeply human.
With shooting expected to begin next year, fans are already curious — how will the actor reinterpret one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved names?
