The Definitive Answer: Why Salman Khan is always named Prem in Sooraj Barjatya's films

Much before Salman Khan was called 'Sultan' or 'Bhaijaan', superstar was kwn as 'Prem', a popular screen name given by filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, who says, its origins, just like his films, stem from family.

Barjatya me his directorial debut with 1989's 'Maine Pyar Kiya', which starred Khan as Prem, in what went on to become his breakout film.

duo n worked on films like 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!', 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain' and 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', in which all of Khan's characters were christened Prem.

Even in two films which Barjatya directed without Khan, 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon' starring Hrithik Roshan and 'Vivah' featuring Shahid Kapoor, he retained name Prem for male protagonist.

In an interview with PTI, Barjatya said name encapsulates everything he wants to say through his films.

"'Prem' signifies a man who has his basics right, who's tritionally rooted, has fun but loves to be with his family and is good at heart,"  director said.

For Barjatya, journey to arrive at name which would later become a signature mark for all his films, was a thought-out process.

"When we were working on script of 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', we were thinking about name we should give to hero. re were options like 'Gaurav', 'Pratap' and even 'Raj'. This is before Shah Rukh Khan came. So, 'Raj' was also re as an option," he revealed.

 director said re was a lot of deliberation on name until he realised what he was looking for was within family.

"That time our Rajshri Productions' biggest hit was 'Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye' (1977). Prem Krishen ji was hero and his name was 'Prem' in that film.

"So we all thought if that became a hit, let's use name for this film too in hope that this would become a hit too. So that's how this name started and has stayed till w," he ded.

Barjatya's films have always featured wealthy, large families, often in backdrop of a grand wedding or a lavish family function.

 director said he is aware that re are people who feel this kind of cinema is dated, but what he shows in his films is an honest reflection of his life.

"That's how we were brought up... In a house of 15 people. We all are still toger. My whole life was spent with mamis, buas, dais and functions. Orwise how could I make a 'Hum Aapke Hai Koun... !' at 25. That's to roam with girls and enjoy your youth.

"But what you see in my films, it's my life. My childhood was very green and beautiful. re was dark side. My films come from what I saw growing up," he said.