Sometimes, the biggest stars are born out of pure chance. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hindi cinema was going through a golden phase, creating films that would be loved for generations. One such film was Maine Pyar Kiya, released in 1989 and directed by Sooraj Barjatya.
Known for its innocence, music and heartfelt romance, the film went on to become a cultural milestone. It not only dominated the box office but also introduced audiences to a new romantic hero who would soon become one of Bollywood’s most enduring superstars.
Salman Khan’s rise to fame with Maine Pyar Kiya is now part of film folklore, but what many fans don’t know is that he was not the first choice for the role of Prem. The part was initially offered to Faraaz Khan, a young and promising actor who was just starting his journey in the film industry.
Faraaz came from a respected film family. His father Yusuf Khan had shared the screen with legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra and was a familiar face in Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. With this background and early promise, Faraaz was seen as a strong contender for the lead role.
In fact, Faraaz Khan had already signed the contract and was set to play Prem, a character that would later become iconic. However, life took an unexpected and unfortunate turn. Soon after being finalised for the film, Faraaz fell seriously ill. His health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer commit to the demanding schedule of a major film. With no option left, he had to step away from the project, even though it was a golden opportunity.
This sudden vacancy opened the door for Salman Khan who was relatively unknown at the time. When he stepped into the role of Prem, few could have predicted the impact he would make. Salman’s natural charm, emotional sincerity and effortless chemistry with debutant Bhagyashree struck a chord with audiences across the country. Maine Pyar Kiya became one of the biggest blockbusters of its era and transformed Salman into an overnight sensation, firmly establishing him as the new romantic face of Bollywood.
For Faraaz Khan, missing out on the film proved to be a life-changing setback. Although he continued to work and appeared in films like Fareb and Mehendi, his career never reached the heights that Salman’s did. Health issues continued to affect his professional journey, limiting the roles and opportunities that came his way. In 2020, Faraaz passed away after a long battle with serious illness.
Yet, his story is remembered with warmth and compassion, especially because of Salman Khan’s kindness in Faraaz’s final years. When news of his failing health emerged, Salman offered financial support for his treatment. Faraaz’s family later expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging that they would always remember Salman’s gesture. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of humanity within the film industry.
The story of Maine Pyar Kiya remains a fascinating tale of destiny. Had circumstances been different, Bollywood history might have followed another path. Instead, the film became Salman Khan’s launchpad, while Faraaz Khan’s journey stands as a reminder of how unpredictable life can be and how compassion can leave a lasting legacy.
