Upasana Singh Reveals She Was Initially Cast in Maine Pyaar Kiya

Maine Pyaar Kiya, released in 1989, became a landmark film in Bollywood, launching the careers of Salman Khan and Bhagyashree. The romantic drama captivated audiences with its tale of love transcending social barriers. However, a recent revelation by actress Upasana Singh suggests that she was originally cast in the lead role alongside Khan, before the project took a different direction.

In a video that has gained traction on social media, Singh, known for her role as Kapil Sharma’s bua on his comedy show, disclosed that director Sooraj Barjatya initially chose her to play Suman in the film. “I was finalised for the role before Bhagyashree. Suddenly, I got to know that I was no longer a part of the film. When the film was finally released, I felt very bad. I did not watch it either,” she stated.

Years later, during a reunion for the 2003 film Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Barjatya confirmed Singh’s status as the first choice for the film. “He said, ‘Did you know who was our first choice for Maine Pyaar Kiya?’ Everyone was shocked. Sooraj ji then told me that I was taller than Salman Khan. I told him Sridevi can work with Salman Khan, we had the same height. If she could, why couldn’t I?” Singh recalled.

The casting change ultimately did not hinder the film’s success. Maine Pyaar Kiya became a massive hit, earning a special place in the hearts of fans. The film tells the story of Prem (played by Khan) and Suman (originally portrayed by Bhagyashree), two young adults from different social backgrounds who navigate familial challenges to find love.

Singh, who gained popularity for her comedic timing on The Kapil Sharma Show, left the program in January 2023. Reflecting on her departure, she explained, “After a certain point, there was nothing left for me to do. I told Kapil also. We still have a great relationship. It’s not like we had a fight or anything. I told Kapil that it’s not the same anymore, it’s not as fun.”

She elaborated on the circumstances surrounding her exit, stating, “At that time, Kapil was trying to crack the role of the main lead. He also said that ‘let me get out of all this, then I will do it’. It was during that time that Kapil and Colors had some friction. My contract was with Colors and I did not have a contract with Kapil’s team. So when Kapil moved to Sony, I couldn’t because I had a contract with Colors.”

As Singh continues her career in the entertainment industry, her candid reflections on her earlier experiences provide valuable insights into the competitive nature of Bollywood. Her story serves as a reminder that the journey of success often takes unexpected turns, even for those who are talented and well-known.