Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali, known for his rich storytelling and compelling narratives, recently revealed an unexpected contributor to his financial success: actor Shahid Kapoor. On the latest episode of the Mid-day’s “Sit With Hitlist” series, Ali disclosed how Kapoor, who starred in his 2007 hit film ‘Jab We Met,’ unofficially took on the role of his financial advisor, guiding him through crucial decisions that would significantly impact his career.
The year 2007 marked a pivotal moment for both Ali and Kapoor when they joined forces for the first time on ‘Jab We Met.’ Initially, this iconic collaboration wasn’t even supposed to happen. Ali had intended to cast Kapoor for a different script, but fate had other plans, and they ended up working on ‘Jab We Met,’ a film that would go on to achieve cult status.
‘Jab We Met’ tells the heartwarming and humorous story of Aditya Kashyap (played by Shahid Kapoor), a despondent tycoon who spontaneously boards a train after attending his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. On that fateful train ride, he crosses paths with Geet Dhillon (played by Kareena Kapoor), a vivacious and unrestrained young woman planning to elope with her lover. The film follows their adventurous journey and captures how Geet’s exuberance gradually draws Aditya out of his shell, showing him a more joyous and fulfilling way to live.
The undeniable chemistry between the two characters, starkly contrasting in their personalities, resonated deeply with audiences. Geet’s loquacious and carefree demeanor versus Aditya’s reserved and somber nature showcased the adage ‘opposites attract’ in a remarkably compelling and entertaining fashion. The movie’s soundtrack, featuring hits like ‘Ye Ishq Hai,’ ‘Mauja Hi Mauja,’ ‘Tum Se Hi,’ and ‘Aaoge Jab Tum,’ further struck a chord with fans, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity.
Over the years, ‘Jab We Met’ has achieved a revered cult status, leading to frequent speculations and rumors about a potential sequel. However, behind the scenes, Shahid Kapoor’s role wasn’t confined to being just a co-star. Imtiaz Ali shared a fascinating anecdote about Kapoor’s influence on his financial decisions post the success of their film.
“Shahid has guided me quite a lot,” Imtiaz recalled. “After the success of ‘Jab We Met,’ he advised me not to fix any price for my next project immediately. He sensed that the success of the film was only just beginning to soar. I considered asking for a certain amount, but Shahid suggested waiting.
. He said, ‘You might get twice what you ask for, and who knows, maybe even Rs 1 crore.’ He was worried people would take advantage of me. Shahid took on the role of a self-appointed financial guide.”
Taking Kapoor’s advice to heart, Imtiaz waited before committing to his next project, which turned out to be ‘Love Aaj Kal,’ starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. The decision to heed Shahid’s counsel proved to be a wise one, as it allowed Ali to capitalize on the growing recognition of ‘Jab We Met.’
Imtiaz reflected on the delay and its consequences with humor and gratitude. “Dinu (Dinesh Vijan, the producer) suffered a bit due to the wait. You ask him; he’ll never forget it. He said, ‘Sir, the number you mentioned made my head hit the roof.’ I jokingly replied, ‘Blame Shahid Kapoor for this.’”
Indeed, Shahid Kapoor’s insight and savvy guidance turned out to be immensely beneficial for Imtiaz Ali. The financial prudence he demonstrated wasn’t just a one-time occurrence, as it laid a strong foundation for Ali’s future projects. Imtiaz Ali, known for masterpieces like ‘Love Aaj Kal,’ ‘Rockstar,’ and ‘Tamasha,’ owes a significant part of his financial acumen to Shahid Kapoor’s timely and skilled advice.
In the span of over a decade, ‘Jab We Met’ remains a beloved film in Bollywood’s rich tapestry, continuing to enchant audiences and inspiring fond memories. Fans still hold on to the hope of a sequel, driven by the enduring charm and resonance of Aditya and Geet’s journey. The collaboration that began as serendipitous has both given Bollywood one of its most cherished films and forged an unusual yet impactful mentorship between a director and his actor.
As fans eagerly await any news of a sequel to ‘Jab We Met,’ they might also appreciate the behind-the-scenes dynamics that made the original film not only a critical and commercial success but also a turning point in Imtiaz Ali’s career, with a special thanks to Shahid Kapoor’s financial wisdom.
