Still stealing hearts...

BHAGYASHREE'S SUMAN AVATAR FROM MAINE PYAR KIYA HAS REMAINED ETCHED IN OUR MEMORY SINCE 1989. SHE TAKES FARHANA FAROOK DOWN MEMORY LANE ON THE FILM'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY.

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Bhagyashree and Suman. Even 35 years later the real and the reel remain entwined. As the sanskari Suman in Sooraj Barjatya's epic Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) Bhagyashree symbolises the perfect Indian girl: respectful yet resolute, demure yet determined and a rebel in love. Uncannily, a similar screenplay of obsession vs opposition was being played out in her personal domain. The 'princess' of Sangli had fallen in love with schoolmate Himalaya Dassani and even got married to him during the filming of MPK much to the chagrin of her parents, Raja Vijay Singhrao Madhavrao Patwardhan and Rajlaxmi Patwardhan. Eventually easing out from films, the overnight sensation then dedicated herself to domesticity leaving fans and the fraternity distraught. But Bhagyashree never left the public consciousness. Her appearances on television shows, OTT and in films - more recently a cameo in Salman Khan's Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan - find its share of cheerleaders. Given her flair for fitness and fashion along with culinary verve, hers is a charismatic presence on social media. "Bhagyashree means 'fortunate'. I started manifesting the meaning. I've enjoyed every phase of my life - doing films, marrying the man I loved, nurturing a family... My children, Abhimanyu and Avantika, are the wind beneath my wings. They now urge me to go out and conquer the world," she beams. Excerpts from a free wheeling interview. Read on:

Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) was re-released last year on its 35th anniversary. What made the film special?

I count my blessings every time I meet people, who tell me Maine Pyar Kiya impacted their lives. What resonated with people is perhaps the simplicity of the characters; they’re identifiable and close to life. They were not over the top. Also, the team was fresh. It was Sooraj