In an engaging episode of Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali shared an intriguing revelation: his financial prosperity today is significantly influenced by none other than Shahid Kapoor, his self-appointed ‘financial advisor’. The duo has had a remarkable journey since their collaboration on the 2007 film ‘Jab We Met’, a project that not only marked the beginning of their professional relationship but also established a deep personal bond and mutual trust.
‘Jab We Met’ is now celebrated as a cult classic. The narrative revolves around Aditya Kashyap, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, a despondent tycoon who, in a state of heartbreak and disillusionment, boards a train aimlessly after attending his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. On this journey, he encounters Geet Dhillon, played by Kareena Kapoor, a vivacious and spontaneous woman planning to elope with her lover. Despite their starkly contrasting personalities, Geet’s free-spirited nature pulls Aditya into her adventurous life, eventually leading him to discover a more fulfilling and entertaining way of living. This captivating storyline, combined with compelling performances and memorable music tracks like ‘Ye Ishq Hai’, ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’, ‘Tum Se Hi’, and ‘Aaoge Jab Tum’, made ‘Jab We Met’ an instant hit.
However, the success story behind the scenes is equally fascinating. During the interview, Imtiaz recounted how Shahid Kapoor’s insights and guidance have played a crucial role in his financial decisions post-‘Jab We Met’. This advisory role emerged unexpectedly after the film’s success when Shahid proactively offered financial advice to Imtiaz. Shahid’s words, “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,” proved to be a valuable piece of advice. He further advised Imtiaz not to settle for a fixed price prematurely, suggesting, “I can ask for X number of lakhs.” Shahid confidently suggested that Imtiaz might end up earning significantly more, even up to Rs 1 crore, urging him to refrain from finalizing any deal without consulting him.
Imtiaz was deeply influenced by Shahid’s practical approach and trusted his judgment.
. This trust was put to the test with Imtiaz’s next big project, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. The advice Shahid provided was not merely a one-off piece of guidance but a recurrent theme in Imtiaz’s financial decisions thereon.
Imtiaz shared the incident with a humorous note, mentioning the patience tested by his producer, Dinesh Vijan, also known as Dinu. Imtiaz recalled waiting for the right moment to quote the price for his next film, resulting in a tense period for Dinu. “I waited, and Dinu 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 quipped, highlighting the significant impact of Shahid’s guidance.
The camaraderie between Shahid and Imtiaz is not just limited to financial aspects but extends to their professional collaborations as well. ‘Jab We Met’ set a benchmark, becoming a beloved film for audiences worldwide, and rumors about a potential sequel keep surfacing, a testament to its enduring popularity. The film’s chemistry, storyline, and music continue to weave magic, and both Shahid and Imtiaz cherish the bond formed during its making.
Their story exemplifies how mutual respect and trust between actors and directors can transcend beyond the professional sphere, impacting personal growth and financial well-being. Imtiaz Ali’s narrative of becoming a ‘rich man’ because of Shahid Kapoor’s sound advice is a remarkable story of friendship and professional synergy.
As fans eagerly await any news regarding a sequel to ‘Jab We Met’, they can take solace in the fact that the creative minds behind the original are still closely connected, guiding each other through the ebbs and flows of the film industry. Whether a sequel materializes or not, the legacy of ‘Jab We Met’ and the relationship between Shahid Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali continue to charm and entertain, proving that some collaborations are truly timeless.
