Shahid Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali first joined forces in 2007 for the film ‘Jab We Met’. This collaboration turned out to be a defining moment for both the actor and filmmaker, as ‘Jab We Met’ achieved a cult status over the years. Speculation about a possible sequel has been rife since the original film’s release, keeping fans eagerly waiting for any concrete news.
In a candid revelation on Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, Imtiaz Ali shared an intriguing anecdote about how Shahid Kapoor played an unexpected yet pivotal role in his financial success. Imtiaz credited Shahid as his self-appointed financial advisor, asserting that the ‘Jab We Met’ actor’s guidance significantly influenced his financial decisions post the movie’s success.
Initially, Imtiaz Ali had intended to cast Shahid in a different script. However, circumstances led them to work on ‘Jab We Met’, a film that not only encapsulated a heartwarming story but also etched unforgettable characters into the audience’s hearts. The narrative of ‘Jab We Met’ focuses on Aditya Kashyap (played by Shahid Kapoor), a disheartened tycoon who impulsively boards a train after attending his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. On this journey, he encounters Geet Dhillon (played by Kareena Kapoor), a vivacious and spontaneous young woman who is on the verge of eloping with her lover. The film explores how Geet’s free-spirited nature gradually pulls the despondent Aditya into her whirlwind world, leading them both to discover new perspectives and eventually warmth in each other’s company.
The plot strikingly showcases the adage ‘Opposites attract’. Geet’s talkative, unpredictable persona sharply contrasts Aditya’s serious, reserved demeanor, making their evolving relationship the crux of the film’s charm. The movie also stood out for its captivating soundtrack, with songs like ‘Ye Ishq Hai’, ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’, ‘Tum Se Hi’, and ‘Aaoge Jab Tum’ becoming massive hits and adding to the movie’s enduring popularity.
Reflecting on the impact Shahid had on his financial negotiations, Imtiaz shared, “Shahid guided me quite a lot. He significantly advised, ‘Yaar dekhi na, abhi hamari picture thodi chal gayi hai. So, abhi jo doosri picture iske baad jab aap banayenge na sir, don’t fix price right now. Because I feel this film is climbing. I said, ‘I can ask for X number of lakhs’.
. He says, ‘Haan, maybe you’ll get twice that. And who knows, maybe you’ll get Rs 1 crore also’. Don’t fix it without calling me. Because he thought log isko bewakoof bana denge. Shahid was like a self-appointed guide.”
Following the success of ‘Jab We Met’, Imtiaz Ali went on to direct ‘Love Aaj Kal’, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Interestingly, he shared a humorous yet significant incident about how Shahid’s advice affected his financial negotiations for his subsequent project. He said, “I waited and Dinu (Dinesh Vijan) suffered. You ask him. He’ll never forget this. He’s like, ‘Sir, the number you said, my head hit the roof’. I said, ‘Blame Shahid Kapoor for this’.”
Imtiaz Ali reiterated his gratitude, acknowledging that Shahid’s foresight protected him from being shortchanged and potentially losing out on substantial earnings. The friendship and professional rapport between Shahid Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali clearly transcended beyond their initial film collaboration. This connection not only underscored their mutual respect but also highlighted Shahid’s pivotal contribution to Imtiaz’s financial stability and growth as a successful filmmaker.
While rumors of a ‘Jab We Met’ sequel continue to swirl, fans of the original film revel in the nostalgia and the bond between Imtiaz and Shahid. Their shared journey from the cult classic to continued successful ventures serves as a testament to the power of mutual respect and the significant impact of unforeseen mentorship in the entertainment industry.
