The year was 1989 when a young girl, like many others across India, was completely swept off her feet by Sooraj Barjatya's Maine Pyar Kiya. The innocent love story, the catchy songs, and the charismatic lead pair, Salman Khan and Bhagyashree, had weaved a magical spell. Little did she know that years later, her own destiny would intertwine with the superstar she admired on screen.
Fast forward to 2010, and Ximena Navarrete Rosete, a Mexican model, was crowned Miss Universe. During her reign, she expressed her desire to work in Bollywood and confessed to being a huge fan of Salman Khan. This admiration reportedly stemmed from watching Maine Pyar Kiya and being captivated by Khan's performance.
In early 2011, rumors began circulating that Navarrete might just get her dream Bollywood debut, and that too, opposite Salman Khan himself. The whispers suggested that she was being considered for the female lead in Partner 2, the sequel to the 2007 hit comedy Partner. Sources indicated that the filmmakers were looking for a fresh face, and Navarrete fit the bill perfectly.
The news created a buzz, with many excited to see the beauty queen share screen space with the Bollywood heartthrob. Reports claimed that Navarrete had already met with Salman Khan and had begun taking Hindi lessons and Bollywood dance classes to prepare for the role. Fashion designer Sanjana Jon, who was close to both Salman and Ximena, was reportedly styling her clothes for the film.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm and reports of preparations, Partner 2 with Ximena Navarrete never materialized. While the reasons for the project's shelving remain unclear, it serves as an interesting anecdote of how a Bollywood classic can spark dreams across continents.
Interestingly, while a direct sequel to Maine Pyar Kiya remains a distant dream, the film's legacy continues to resonate. In fact, director Sooraj Barjatya has stated that he doesn't see how a Maine Pyar Kiya sequel could be made and has no plans to cast Salman Khan in it, preferring a fresh cast. Barjatya believes the "innocence, the charm, and the era it belonged to can never be replicated".
Adding to the nostalgia, Maine Pyar Kiya was re-released in theaters in 2024, 35 years after its original release. This gave a new generation a chance to experience the magic of the film on the big screen, while allowing older fans to relive the cherished memories. Moreover, Salman Khan and Bhagyashree reunited on screen after 34 years in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.
Though Ximena Navarrete's Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan never took off, her story highlights the enduring impact of Maine Pyar Kiya and Salman Khan's stardom. The film continues to inspire and create connections, even decades after its release.
