Bollywood megastar Salman Khan took five months to agree to work with Sonam Kapoor in the 2015 blockbuster Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, directed by Sooraj Barjatya.

Despite his 30-year career and experience working with actresses of all age groups, Salman was hesitant about romancing Sonam, who is 19 years younger and the daughter of his close friend, actor Anil Kapoor.

Director Sooraj Barjatya recently revealed that he was keen on casting a fresh pair for the film. He believed Sonam would be perfect for the role of a princess after watching her in Raanjhana. However, Salman wasn’t immediately convinced.

When Barjatya first showed him Sonam’s pictures, Salman asked for time to think it over. A month later, when approached again, Salman expressed his concerns. “Sonam is much younger than me, and I’ve seen her grow up. How can I romance her on screen?” he reportedly told Barjatya. He also jokingly questioned her height, asking, “Isn’t she too tall for me?”

Barjatya persisted for five months, trying to convince Salman that Sonam was the right choice. Meanwhile, Sonam was excited about the opportunity and eager to work with Salman.

Eventually, Salman agreed, texting Barjatya with a lighthearted message: “From today, I’ll call Anil Kapoor ‘Anil sir.’” He later admitted that Sonam suited the role perfectly, saying, “Even though I didn’t initially agree, Sooraj convinced me.”

Sonam, on the other hand, didn’t find it awkward to romance Salman on screen, saying, “I loved it! I’ve watched all his films.”

Despite the 19-year age gap, Salman and Sonam’s on-screen chemistry was praised by audiences, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo became a major commercial success. Made on a budget of ₹90 crore, the film grossed ₹432 crore at the box office, becoming the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2015. This marked Salman’s fourth collaboration with Sooraj Barjatya, following hits like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, and Hum Saath Saath Hain.

In other news, producer Sajid Nadiadwala officially announced Kick 2, the long-awaited sequel to Salman Khan’s 2014 blockbuster Kick. The announcement, accompanied by a teaser photo of Salman (with his face not visible), has thrilled fans.

The original Kick was a massive success, crossing the ₹200 crore mark, and the sequel has been highly anticipated. While a photoshoot for Kick 2 has already been completed, Nadiadwala has yet to reveal further details about the cast or shooting schedule, adding to the excitement.

Salman, currently working on his next film Sikandar, is expected to start filming Kick 2 after wrapping up Sikandar, which is set for an Eid 2025 release. Fans are eagerly awaiting both films, excited to see Salman in these major roles once again.