Did you know that when it comes to Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Salman Khan had some serious reservations about casting Sonam Kapoor? This 2012 film was their fourth collaboration with director Sooraj Barjatya, following their hits like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Sooraj spoke about it in an interview with Zetc, revealing how the casting process unfolded. He shared that he discussed various actresses with Salman before settling on Sonam after watching her in Raanjhana.
He felt she was a perfect fit for the role of a modern princess navigating life in Delhi. Salman had his doubts at first, but in the end, the film became a huge commercial success. “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,” he said.
After Sooraj chose Sonam, he showed her photos to Salman and he said he wants to think it over. “He looked at them and said, ‘Sooraj, let me think about it.’ A month went by, and he was still considering,” Sooraj recalled.
Salman also said, “Isn’t she too tall? And she’s a lot younger than me. I’ve seen her grow up; how can I romance her.” Salman Khan took almost five months to agree to cast Sonam Kapoor.
Finally, he texted Sooraj Barjatya, saying, .