Choreographer Shabina Khan recently opened up about one of the most painful chapters of her life, recalling the sudden demise of her father and how filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya stood by her during that difficult period. In an exclusive conversation, she revealed that her father’s passing came on the very day she was supposed to sign Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, a film that eventually became an important milestone in her career.
Speaking about the most difficult phase of her life, Shabina recalled that her father was just 57 when he passed away. She revealed that he went to sleep one night but never woke up. What made the loss even more heartbreaking was the timing, as she was preparing to begin work on Sooraj Barjatya’s film.
Shabina remembered how excited her father had been about the project. She had told him that she was going to work on a Sooraj Barjatya film, and he promised that this time he would visit her on the sets. Recalling their conversation, she shared that her father believed the film would bring her recognition and even told her that she would become like Farah Khan. He was looking forward to seeing her work, but sadly, he passed away before he could fulfil that wish.
Shabina Khan Almost Gave Up Prem Ratan Dhan Payo After Losing Her Father
The sudden loss left Shabina completely shattered. She revealed that she immediately informed Sooraj Barjatya about her father’s demise through a message and told him that she would not be able to do the film. Considering the scale of the project, she did not want to take any risks while going through such an emotionally difficult time.
She recalled being surrounded by people from the film industry who came to offer their condolences, but she was barely in a state to process what had happened. As her family’s elder daughter, she was also dealing with responsibilities at home while trying to cope with the loss.
One thought that continued to trouble her was that she had not been able to spend enough time with her father because of her demanding work schedule. She also regretted not having many pictures with him. These memories made the period even more painful, and she admitted that only she and her family knew how they managed to get through those days.
Sooraj Barjatya’s Gesture Gave Her the Strength to Continue
Despite initially telling the filmmaker she couldn’t take up the project, Sooraj Barjatya didn’t give up on her. Shabina revealed that around the 20th day after her father’s demise, he called her to his office. That meeting became a turning point for her.
She explained that Sooraj could have easily chosen another choreographer for such a big-budget film, especially one starring Salman Khan. However, instead of replacing her, he personally called her, met her, and encouraged her to join the project. He even narrated the entire story to her, giving her the reassurance and strength she needed at that moment.
Shabina shared that she was still not emotionally prepared to return to work, but Sooraj’s confidence in her helped her move forward. She eventually agreed to do the film and continued working despite the difficult circumstances.
For Shabina, this was much more than a professional opportunity. She considers Sooraj’s gesture a deeply personal act of support, especially because he stood beside her when she was struggling to find the strength to continue.
Sooraj Barjatya Called Her Father’s Blessings Behind the Film’s Success
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was shot during that difficult period and eventually released in November 2015. Shabina recalled how Sooraj would often tell her that the appreciation the film’s songs received was her father’s blessing.
She revealed that her father had always believed in her talent and would often tell her that she was talented and only needed the right opportunity to prove herself. Sooraj’s words about her father’s blessings made their association even more meaningful to her.
Shabina also shared that Sooraj would send her shlokas and mantras and encourage her to meditate. Her family members were also present on the sets, ensuring she had the support she needed while continuing to work.
Reflecting on everything he did for her, she expressed immense gratitude towards the filmmaker, saying that his support played a significant role in the person and professional she has become today.
For Shabina, Sooraj Barjatya is not just a filmmaker who gave her an important career opportunity. He is someone who stood by her during a time when she had lost one of the most important people in her life. His reassurance, personal attention, and fatherly care helped her return to work when she thought she could not.
She also admires his filmmaking because of the family values he represents. Describing him as a family-oriented person who lives with his joint family, Shabina believes that the warmth and values of his own life are reflected in the stories he brings to the screen.
Looking back, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo remains special to her for reasons that go far beyond its songs and success. It was the film that brought her professional recognition while also marking a period when someone like Sooraj Barjatya gave her the strength to overcome an unimaginable personal loss.
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