In an exclusive revelation during Mid-Day’s ‘Sit With Hitlist’ episode featuring Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, it has come to light that the iconic name of the film ‘Jab We Met’, which has now become a cornerstone of Hindi cinema, actually came from none other than his father, veteran actor Pankaj Kapur.
Jab We Met is monumental in Shahid Kapoor’s career, standing as one of his most celebrated films. Over 15 years since its theatrical release, the romantic comedy directed by Imtiaz Ali continues to enchant audiences with the love story of Geet and Aditya, enacted by Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor respectively. The film’s mixture of humor, emotion, and unforgettable dialogues has embedded it firmly in Bollywood’s cultural tapestry.
During the podcast episode, Shahid Kapoor delved into the origin of the film’s unique title. He began by giving a little backstory, explaining how ‘Jab We Met’ was almost called something entirely different. “Imtiaz was a new director back then, and when he brought the script to me, it had ‘Geet’ written on it,” Shahid recalled with a smile. Curious about the name, he questioned, “‘Yeh Geet ka kya matlab hai?’ (‘What is the meaning of this ‘Geet’?)’. Imtiaz responded that it was the name of the heroine. So I advised him, ‘Next time when you approach a hero, don’t go with a script with the heroine’s name on it.’ The next time he came to me, it had ‘Train’ written on it,” Shahid said, chuckling as he shared the memory with Mid-day’s Mayank Shekhar.
The question that lingers in the minds of film enthusiasts is who finally came up with the title that resonated so profoundly with the audience. Shahid revealed, “My dad (Pankaj Kapur) came up with it.” The innovative blend of Hindi and English words in the title created a lasting impact, transforming ‘Jab We Met’ into an iconic reference within pop culture.
The storyline of Jab We Met delves into the lives of two characters, Aditya Kashyap and Geet Dhillon, brought to life by Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor. Aditya, a heartbroken businessman, retreats from his corporate life and boards a train bound for Delhi, where he encounters Geet, a talkative Punjabi girl. Their unexpected meetings and ensuing adventures lead them to fall in love, despite their contrasting personalities and backgrounds.
In addition to the anecdotes about the film, Shahid Kapoor took a nostalgic turn, reflecting on his early stardom. He was just 23 years old when his first film, Ishq Vishk, was released and thrust him into the limelight.
. Reflecting on those early days, he candidly admitted, “You are a little stupid in your twenties. You make stupid choices.” This period of his life was marked by the euphoria often associated with early success and stardom.
Shahid then discussed the seemingly glamorous life of a Bollywood star, including dating some of the industry’s most beautiful women. However, he had a practical take on this aspect of his fame. “It’s a stupid high. Buying a sports car is a stupid high in Mumbai. There’s nowhere you can drive it,” he commented with a laugh. He elaborated that while dating attractive women might seem extraordinary, it was not as special as it appeared. “At the end of the day, you are dating good-looking women, but you are also considered desirable and good looking. It’s not like you are getting something that is three levels above your league. There were enough women interested in me as well,” he stated.
Returning to the theme of the film, Shahid Kapoor reiterated Jab We Met’s influence on his career and its lasting appeal to audiences. The nuanced portrayal of characters, combined with Imtiaz Ali’s distinctive narrative style and an innovative title, has sealed the film’s place in Bollywood history. More than just a successful project, Jab We Met represents a blend of serendipity, artistic vision, and clever marketing, starting with a title suggested by an experienced actor to his talented son.
This revelation not only adds a fascinating trivia to the making of ‘Jab We Met’ but also underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where sometimes the simplest suggestions can have the most significant impact. With Shahid’s candid recount of the movie’s title origin, fans gain a new appreciation for the film that has defined romantic comedy in Bollywood for over a decade. асфгл.
