While promoting his new JioHotstar series, Sangamarmar, the director of wholesome classics like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Vivaah drew a direct parallel between his gentle "Prem" and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's controversial "Kabir Singh."
The Core Argument: "Itna Pyaar Toh Kare Koi"
Barjatya dismissed the idea that his protagonists and Vanga's aggressive heroes are opposites. Instead, he argued they are driven by the exact same emotional engine.
The Quote: "Whether it is Kabir Singh, Animal, or Prem... itna pyaar toh kare koi (someone should love this passionately). All of them have come through the journeys of their soul. Essentially, it is the power of love. I feel they are two sides of the same coin."
The Common Ground: He believes that while the expression of love differs based on upbringing and values, the intensity and absolute devotion to the partner are identical.
Defending the "Unrealistic" Prem
The director also addressed the frequent criticism that his "ideal" men don't exist in the real world.
The Viral Comment: Barjatya shared with a laugh that every few weeks, people tell him, "Don't give us this wrong hope; such men have stopped being made."
His Rebuttal: He insisted that gentle, selfless men exist today just as much as they did in the past—they simply have to be "found." He cited the lead in his new show, Sangamarmar, who waits 25 years for his beloved, as a modern-day Prem.
On Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Style
Despite being the pioneer of the "Sanskari" family drama, Barjatya admitted to being "blown away" by Vanga's filmmaking.
Kabir Singh: He called it a "wonderful film" but admitted that its intensity "affects you."
Animal: Interestingly, Barjatya confessed he is still "finding the heart to watch" Animal. He acknowledged that knowing the maker, it will be a "powerful film," and he wants to be mentally prepared for its savage take on family dynamics—a theme he usually treats with "golden spoons."
What’s Next for Sooraj Barjatya?
Project Details Sangamarmar Now Streaming on JioHotstar. Stars Sourabh Raaj Jain and Sheen Savita Das. Untitled Salman Khan Film Still in the scripting stage. Barjatya wants Salman to "play his age" and find a new version of Prem suitable for 2026. Bada Naam Karenge His upcoming SonyLIV web series focused on Gen Z cohabitation.
