Salman Khan became a household name after Maine Pyaar Kiya but his entry into films happened a year earlier with the 1988 release Biwi Ho Toh Aisi. The film marked the directorial debut of J K Bihari who unknowingly launched a future superstar purely on instinct and belief.
A Scene from the movie Biwi Ho To Aisi
Bihari, who had earlier assisted legendary filmmaker K Asif on Love And God and later worked closely with producer K C Bokadia, says Salman’s innocence and natural way of speaking stood out instantly. According to him, Sooraj Barjatya only needed to see that sincerity to take a leap of faith which eventually reshaped Hindi cinema.
Biwi Ho Toh Aisi starred Rekha in the lead role, a casting that many believed was impossible for a first time director. Bihari recalls approaching Rekha directly with the subject and explaining that it was the title role. Despite her usual reluctance to work with debut directors, Rekha agreed after learning about his association with K Asif. The film was completed and released within six months, defying industry doubts.
Farooque Shaikh and J K Bihari on the sets of Biwi Ho To Aisi.
Salman Khan was cast without an audition. Bihari remembers seeing a young man walking near his office with a file in hand and deciding instantly that he was right for the role of Rekha’s brother in law. At that time, he did not even know that Salman was Salim Khan’s son. There were no auditions or vanity vans in those days, and even senior actors worked with minimal comforts.
During the shoot, Salman was inexperienced but eager to learn. Rekha and Farooque Shaikh supported him on set, helping him grow into the role. While working on the film, Salman signed a three film contract with Bihari. When he was later offered Maine Pyaar Kiya, the makers asked him to obtain a no objection certificate. Recognising the opportunity, Bihari tore up the contract himself, encouraging Salman to move ahead.
Biwi Ho Toh Aisi went on to become a hit, performing especially well in smaller centres and enjoying long runs in several regions. Even today, audiences continue to enjoy the film on television.
Years later, Bihari met Salman again at Mehboob Studio where Salman was shooting with Aamir Khan. On seeing his first director, Salman immediately walked up to him, hugged him warmly and introduced him to Aamir Khan as the man who launched his career. The two spent hours reminiscing and discussing future possibilities.
Bihari later faced professional setbacks and health challenges which slowed his filmmaking journey. However, he remains hopeful of collaborating again, possibly to support his son’s directorial ambitions, bringing the story full circle.
From working in a studio canteen to assisting K Asif and eventually launching one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, J K Bihari’s journey reflects the unpredictable yet magical nature of the film industry, where instinct, timing and generosity can change lives forever.
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