The Salman Khan – Sooraj Barjatya bonding goes far beyond cinema

Those who were surprised at seeing Salman Khan break down at Sooraj Barjatyas cousin Rajjats memorial service dont know how close Salman is to the entire Barjatya family.

A close friend of the actor says, "Sooraj represents everything that is good kind and humane in Salman. From the time they made their debut as leading man and director in Maine Pyar Kiya, theyve shared a very spiritual relationship. Although theyre the same age, Bhai looks up to Soorajji and regards his father with the same respect as his own. Yes, their friendship struck a rough patch during Hum Saath Saath Hain (when the black buck incident happened). But thats in the past now. Today Salman is closer to Sooraj and his family than ever before."

Apparently Salman was "badly shaken up" by Soorajs cousin Rajjats death. "It is like death in his own family. Salman loves Soorajs family as much as his own," says the friend.

Professionally too, they are closer today than ever before. Salman Khan has made it clear he will set aside all his other commitments to do Sooraj Barjatyas next which will take off in 2017.

Says a source, "Salman has asked Sooraj to write a film that neither of the two has ever attempted before."