In a recent revelation on Mid-day’s popular series “Sit With Hitlist,” acclaimed director Imtiaz Ali candidly shared how actor Shahid Kapoor inadvertently became his financial advisor, significantly affecting his journey to wealth. This intriguing glimpse into their unlikely partnership dates back to 2007 when the duo first collaborated on the now-iconic film “Jab We Met.”
Initially, Imtiaz Ali had intended to cast Shahid Kapoor for a different script. However, circumstances led them to join forces on “Jab We Met,” creating cinema history. The film revolves around Aditya Kashyap (played by Shahid Kapoor), a despondent business tycoon who aimlessly boards a train after his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. There, he meets Geet Dhillon (played by Kareena Kapoor), a spirited and impulsive young woman planning to elope with her boyfriend. As their lives intertwine, Aditya finds himself on a thrilling emotional rollercoaster, ultimately falling in love with Geet, whose zest for life and spontaneity bring him new joy and purpose.
“Jab We Met” juxtaposes the contrasting worlds of Geet, a vivacious chatterbox, and Aditya, a reserved and heartbroken tycoon, embodying the classic trope that ‘opposites attract.’ The movie’s magical music, with hits like “Ye Ishq Hai,” “Mauja Hi Mauja,” “Tum Se Hi,” and “Aaoge Jab Tum,” further cemented its status, with each track resonating deeply with audiences. Over the years, the film’s popularity has only grown, attaining a cult status and sparking recurring rumors about a potential sequel.
During his discussion on “Sit With Hitlist,” Imtiaz Ali fondly recollected the pivotal advice he received from Shahid Kapoor post the success of “Jab We Met.” Shahid Kapoor, portraying a self-appointed guide, advised Imtiaz not to prematurely fix his price for future projects. Shahid observed, “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.”
Ali, reminiscing about his conversation with Shahid, shared, “I said, ‘I can ask for X number of lakhs.’ He responded, ‘Yes, maybe you’ll get twice that. And who knows, you might even get Rs 1 crore.
. Don’t fix it without consulting me first. He was concerned about potential exploitation, thinking log isko bewakoof bana denge. Shahid effectively volunteered himself as my financial guide, and his judgments were spot on.”
Following “Jab We Met,” Imtiaz Ali directed “Love Aaj Kal,” featuring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Interestingly, Shahid’s financial advice continued to influence Ali’s decisions. Imtiaz noted, “I waited and as a result, Dinu (Dinesh Vijan, the film’s producer) suffered. He’ll never forget it. He told me, ‘Sir, the number you mentioned made my head spin.’ I replied, ‘Blame Shahid Kapoor for this.'”
This fortuitous collaboration significantly impacted Imtiaz Ali’s trajectory in Bollywood, making Shahid Kapoor’s informal advisory role both crucial and noteworthy. Shahid’s foresight and strategic thinking provided Imtiaz with the confidence to negotiate and command far better deals, reflecting a deep loyalty and understanding between the two.
The echoes of “Jab We Met’s” success continue to reverberate, with its charm and relatable characters leaving an indelible mark on mainstream Bollywood cinema. The persistent talks of a sequel further attest to its lasting impact. Fans yearn to see what new adventures await Geet and Aditya, but whether a sequel materializes or not remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the legacy of “Jab We Met” and the unique camaraderie between Imtiaz Ali and Shahid Kapoor offer a compelling narrative of friendship and professional synergy in the world of Indian cinema.
As Imtiaz Ali continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive storytelling, the influence of Shahid Kapoor’s sagacious advice underscores a much broader lesson about the importance of listening and trusting one’s collaborators. It’s a heartening reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected guidance can lead to the most remarkable successes.
