Prem Ratan Dhan Payo inspired by Raja Aur Runk?

It can now be told. Sooraj Barjatya's eagerly anticipated Diwali bonanza Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP) is actually a variation on Mark Twain's The Prince & The Pauper where two lookalike heroes, a commoner and a royalty, exchange places to see what the other one's life feels like. The two roles are played by Salman Khan.

Revealing this and more, a source close to the project says, "More than Mark Twain's novel The Prince & The Pauper, Soorajji is a fan of the 1968 film Raja Aur Runk, which was based on the same classic novel. The film is also inspired by the Dharmendra starrer Yakeen and the Shashi Kapoor starrer Haseena Maan Jayegi where the leading lady's beloved is replaced by his double. That explains Salman's look of discomfort and guilt as Sonam Kapoor dances all around him in the song Jalte diye." Raja Aur Runk was produced by the legendary L V Prasad. Sanjeev Kumar plays the roles of Raja Aur Runk. The film was popular for its music composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. There was also news that this Salman Khan starrer is inspired by Prisoner of Zenda.