Bollywood’s enduring relationships often transcend the screen, evolving into profound personal connections. The partnership between legendary actor Anupam Kher and filmmaker Suraj Barjatya exemplifies this beautifully. To honor Barjatya’s birthday on Sunday, Kher shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, dubbing him a ‘national treasure’.
In his message, Kher lauded Barjatya’s commitment to meaningful narratives. ‘Even as cinema races toward change, you choose stories celebrating relationships, family values, faith, and goodness,’ he wrote. Few directors dare tread these paths today, yet Barjatya has done so consistently, without ostentation. ‘India lives in your films.’
Kher traced their bond back to 1984’s ‘Saransh’, highlighting Barjatya’s consistent journey. ‘Your path has been steady, measured, anchored in core beliefs. To know you is to know kindness, empathy, integrity, and true happiness.’
What sets Barjatya apart, according to Kher, is his innate humility. His work and personality lack noise or artifice. He advances with quiet confidence in his craft, forging films that connect deeply with audiences of all ages.
Accompanying the post was a video clip showing Kher attaching a golden India symbol to Barjatya’s shirt. This gesture underscored Barjatya’s role in preserving India’s soul through his art. ‘The stories you weave, emotions you nurture, and values you uphold mirror our nation’s essence.’
This tribute not only celebrates a birthday but reaffirms the power of cinema rooted in cultural authenticity. In an era of blockbusters, Barjatya’s approach stands as a beacon for storytellers.