There is a twist in Sooraj Barjatya's Prem Ki Shaadi. The highly anticipated family drama is no longer happening with Salman Khan, courtesy of creative disputes on a number of issues. Both have amicably decided to part ways on this project after they could not agree on several aspects of the script and have decided to work together on other projects in the future. This wedding drama was supposed to mark Salman and Sooraj’s fifth collaboration after massive hits such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
Salman Khan’s exit, however, hasn't shelved the movie. Peepingmoon.com has exclusively learned that Sooraj Barjatya is now planning to make Prem Ki Shaadi with a younger cast and has reached out to Shahid Kapoor to headline it. “Barjatya intends to proceed with this project even after Salman Khan turned it down. He is now tweaking the script and has toned down the age of the lead character. When Salman left the movie, he immediately approached Shahid, who also played the role of ‘Prem’ in his 2006 romantic drama, Vivah. Both have met multiple times, and their conversations thus far point to the possibility of their reunion after 18 years. Barjatya is hopeful to get him on board, while Shahid has also shown his interest, but he hasn't given his final nod yet,” a source close to the development told us.
Prem Ki Shaadi is billed as an ambitious family drama that will be mounted on a grand scale. Barjatya was apparently looking for an actor who could reflect the innocence required for the character, and Shahid Kapoor was an instant choice, given that he has already played a similar character (with the same name) in Vivah. Shahid is expected to give his final call by the end of this month, and if he comes on board, shooting will commence in the third quarter of 2024.
Prem Ki Shaadi aside, Shahid is also discussing two historical projects: Ashwatthama with Pooja Entertainment, set to be directed by Avane Srimannarayana fame Sachin Ravi; and OMG 2 director Amit Rai’s next, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While the Ashwatthama project is signed and set to begin production sometime this year, the latter is at the very early stage of discussion. Shahid is also in talks with Anees Bazmee for a double-role comedy entertainer.
