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Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, which released in 2012, marked the fourth collaboration between Salman Khan and director Sooraj Barjatya, following their successes with Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, and Hum Saath Saath Hai. The film, also featuring Sonam Kapoor in the lead role, became a commercial hit, but not without some initial reservations from Salman regarding her casting.
In an interview with Zetc, Sooraj recounted the casting process, stating, “I wrote the script and discussed potential heroines with Salman. We had several names on the table, but I wanted to present a fresh pair. After watching Raanjhana, I felt Sonam was perfect for the role. It hadn’t occurred to me before, but she fit the character—a princess who was independent and living in Delhi while navigating her relationships.”
Once Sooraj decided on Sonam, he presented her photos to Salman. “He looked at them and said, ‘Sooraj, let me think about it.’ A month went by, and he was still considering,” Sooraj recalled. Salman expressed concerns about Sonam’s height and age, saying, “Isn’t she too tall? And she’s a lot younger than me. I’ve seen her grow up; how can I romance her.” Sooraj reassured him, reminding him that she had previously starred with him in Saawariya (2007).
It took Salman Khan nearly five months to agree to the casting. Finally, he texted Sooraj Barjatya, saying, “From today onward, I’ll call Anil Kapoor, Anil sir, take her in the film.”
In an interview with 9XE, Salman later acknowledged, “I think she suited the role to the T. She was the perfect casting for this movie. Even though I didn’t initially agree with it but then I was convinced by Sooraj Barjatya.”
In contrast, Sonam Khan expressed her excitement about working with Salman Khan, saying it was “not at all strange” to romance him. “I loved it! I know him well and have watched all his films,” she said, to which Salman jokingly responded, “I know her father really well.”
Despite their 19-year age gap, both the actors managed to create a compelling on-screen chemistry that resonated with audiences.
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