5 hours ago
2 ARTICLE AD
Renuka Shahane, known for her memorable performances in Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Masoom, and Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha, recently shared how she was warned against taking up the role of Pooja Chaudhary in Sooraj Barjatya’s 1994 blockbuster.
Renuka Shahane In HAHK
In an interview with Fever FM, Renuka recalled that Rajkumar Barjatya, Sooraj Barjatya’s father, had advised her against playing a bhabhi (sister-in-law) on screen if she aspired to become a mainstream heroine. “Babuji (Rajkumar Barjatya) told me quite frankly, ‘You will get a lot of sister-in-law roles. If you don’t get the main lead, think 10 times before taking up this role. You don’t know the industry, but this is how it works. If you want to become a heroine, don’t do this film,’” she revealed.
However, Renuka was unfazed by the warning. She responded with conviction, stating, “I told him, ‘I want to do this film. I didn’t come here to become a heroine; I came as an actor from theatre. For me, every character is important. Whether as an actor, writer, or director, characters drive stories.’ I never had those illusions or ambitions.” She further added that she never felt the need to compete in the industry, choosing instead to focus on her craft.
Despite concerns that the role might typecast her, Renuka’s portrayal of Pooja Chaudhary won hearts, cementing her place in Bollywood. Hum Aapke Hain Koun, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, featured an ensemble cast led by Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the iconic roles of Prem and Nisha. The film also starred Mohnish Bahl, Anupam Kher, Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo, and Bindu in pivotal roles.
The film became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of all time in the 1990s, revolutionizing the family drama genre. Even today, Renuka Shahane’s portrayal of the warm and loving Pooja remains one of the most cherished performances in Hindi cinema.
