In an enlightening episode of Mid-day’s “Sit With Hitlist,” renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali shared insights into his financial journey and revealed the pivotal role Shahid Kapoor played in his economic success. The celebrated director candidly spoke about how the “Jab We Met” actor unofficially took on the role of his financial advisor, advising him on pivotal monetary decisions that significantly influenced his wealth and career trajectory.
The dynamic duo of Imtiaz Ali and Shahid Kapoor first crossed paths professionally in 2007 with the production of the iconic film “Jab We Met.” Originally, Ali had approached Kapoor with an entirely different script. However, they eventually settled on “Jab We Met,” a narrative that turned out to be transformative not only for their careers but also for the landscape of Bollywood cinema. The film centers on Aditya Kashyap, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, a heartbroken and disillusioned tycoon who aimlessly boards a train after witnessing his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. On his journey, he encounters Geet Dhillon, an exuberant and lively young woman planning to elope with her lover. Kareena Kapoor Khan brilliantly brings to life the character of Geet, whose vigorous and spirited demeanor stands in stark contrast to Aditya’s somber and withdrawn nature.
The chemistry between Shahid’s Aditya and Kareena’s Geet exemplifies the age-old sentiment of “opposites attract,” a theme masterfully executed through both their performances. The film’s enchanting narrative, combined with an irresistible soundtrack featuring hits like “Ye Ishq Hai,” “Mauja Hi Mauja,” “Tum Se Hi,” and “Aaoge Jab Tum,” cemented “Jab We Met” as a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, the film has ascended to cult status, and speculation about a sequel continually fuels the film industry’s grapevine.
During the interview, Ali reminisced about how Shahid’s guidance extended beyond the film’s artistic realm and significantly impacted his financial decisions. He quoted Shahid, who remarked, “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.” This counsel came at a time when the success of “Jab We Met” was still mushrooming and Shahid foresaw a spike in Ali’s bargaining power.
Ali humbly admitted how he might have undersold his next projects had Shahid not intervened. “I said, ‘I can ask for X number of lakhs’. He replied, ‘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,’” Ali recalled, stressing how Shahid was like a self-appointed guide who helped him navigate the financial intricacies of the industry to avoid being taken advantage of.
Following the monumental success of “Jab We Met,” Ali’s subsequent project was “Love Aaj Kal,” featuring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. This film, too, received critical acclaim and commercial success, further bolstering Ali’s reputation as a visionary director. However, the intermediary period before committing to this next project wasn’t without its detours. Ali shared an anecdote about Dinesh Vijan, co-founder of Maddock Films, who was part of Ali’s subsequent cinematic ventures. Vijan, it appears, bore the brunt of the delay caused by Ali’s calculated waiting period for financial negotiations, a concept encouraged by Shahid.
Ali chuckled as he narrated Vijan’s reaction: “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’.”
Ali’s economic savviness, honed by Shahid’s timely and prudent advice, allowed him to capitalize on his growing prominence in Bollywood. This period of burgeoning success enabled Ali to advocate for better remuneration for his work and to strategically plan his projects without succumbing to the pressure of premature commitments. The alliance between Ali and Kapoor underscores the importance of having trusted advisors and the symbiotic relationships that can elevate one’s trajectory both artistically and financially.
Reflecting on their journey, it’s clear that the synergy between Shahid Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali transcended the professional sphere, deeply influencing Ali’s financial decisions. Their relationship exemplifies how mutual support and timely advice can have far-reaching impacts, paving the way for sustained success and financial stability in the tumultuous entertainment industry. Imtiaz Ali’s acknowledgment of Shahid’s contributions highlights the unforeseen ways in which professional collaboration can lead to personal enrichment, making this partnership a remarkable example of trust and mentorship in Bollywood.
