By Released in 2015, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo became one of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters, earning more than ₹200 crores at the box office. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this family drama is known for its emotional depth, grand visuals, and a stellar cast led by Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor. However, the path to casting Sonam as the female lead was far from smooth, as Salman Khan initially had significant reservations about working with her.
The Success of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo: A Milestone in Bollywood
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was Sooraj Barjatya’s fourth collaboration with Salman Khan, following their previous successes with Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, and Hum Saath Saath Hain. These films set a high bar for family-centric storytelling in Indian cinema, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo carried on that legacy.
The movie portrayed a royal saga centered around a prince, played by Salman Khan, who must manage family conflicts, love, and responsibility. Paired with Sonam Kapoor as his love interest, the film captured the essence of grand romance, striking a chord with audiences across India. Yet, few know that Salman’s involvement in the film was delayed by his doubts about working alongside Sonam.
Salman Khan’s Concerns: Why He Took Five Months to Agree
Despite Prem Ratan Dhan Payo being a quintessential Barjatya film, Salman Khan hesitated for five months before committing to the project. His main concern? Romancing Sonam Kapoor on screen.
Salman revealed in various interviews that he had reservations about the pairing. “I’ve seen her grow up; how can I romance her?” he openly expressed. Salman’s close relationship with Sonam’s father, actor Anil Kapoor, played a significant role in his hesitation. Having known Sonam since her childhood, Salman found it challenging to envision a romantic storyline with her.
This hesitation highlights the unique nature of Bollywood, where personal relationships and professional decisions often collide. Salman’s respect for the Kapoor family made him wary of appearing as Sonam’s romantic interest, a sentiment that delayed the film’s production.
Sooraj Barjatya’s Vision: Why Sonam Kapoor Was the Perfect Choice
Despite Salman’s reluctance, director Sooraj Barjatya was convinced that Sonam Kapoor was ideal for the role. After watching her performance in Raanjhanaa, Barjatya felt she had the grace, poise, and emotional depth to portray the character of a modern princess. He believed Sonam could bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the film, offering a new dimension to the classic Barjatya romance.
Barjatya’s insistence on casting Sonam was rooted in his desire for a fresh pairing. He had worked with Salman many times before, and he wanted to present something different to audiences—a romance between two characters who could bring contemporary and traditional elements together seamlessly.
The Evolution of Salman and Sonam’s On-Screen Chemistry
Despite initial doubts, Salman eventually agreed to work alongside Sonam Kapoor. Once filming began, their on-screen chemistry quickly developed, proving Barjatya’s casting decision to be a wise one. Critics and audiences alike praised their portrayal of love, which felt genuine and heartfelt despite Salman’s early concerns.
Sonam’s portrayal of a dignified yet relatable princess complemented Salman’s character, a noble prince with deep emotional struggles. Their contrasting personalities, combined with the classic Barjatya family drama, made their on-screen romance a compelling aspect of the film.
A Box Office Hit: The Legacy of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo not only became a massive box office hit but also reaffirmed Salman Khan’s status as one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. The film’s grand visuals, elaborate song-and-dance sequences, and emotional storyline appealed to audiences of all ages. Sonam Kapoor, too, earned praise for her performance, marking her place in the industry as a versatile actress.
The success of the film can be attributed not only to Barjatya’s direction and storytelling but also to the strong performances from the lead pair. Despite Salman’s initial hesitation, the decision to cast Sonam Kapoor ultimately worked in the film’s favor, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Salman Khan’s five-month hesitation to star opposite Sonam Kapoor in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo showcases the delicate balance of personal relationships and professional responsibilities in Bollywood. His eventual decision to take on the role, alongside Sonam, resulted in a blockbuster that left a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.