Not Shahid Kapoor, But This Actor Was First Choice For Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met

Kareena and Shahid’s Jab We Met was released in 2007. (Photo Credits: Reddit)

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor became the IT couple of Bollywood in the early 2000s after the iconic film, Jab We Met. The film was a box office hit when it was released, earning praise from both fans and critics. But do you know that Shahid wasn’t supposed to place the lead character, Aditya Kashyap? Yes, you read that right. It was Bollywood actor Bobby Deol who was initially meant to be the male lead in the most beloved romantic film.

In an interview with Instant Bollywood, Bobby revealed how Imtiaz Ali and a producer sidelined him after he gave all efforts to make the film happen.

Was Bobby Deol To Lead Jab We Met?

On being asked if he was offered Imtiaz’s film, the actor recalled how he had approached director Imtiaz Ali with interest in working together after watching a rush print of Socha Na Tha, which starred his cousin, Abhay Deol.

“Maine Imtiaz Ko Pakda, Aur Kaha Ki… Dekh Imtiaz, Film Abhi Release Nahi Hui Hai, Bani Aadhi Hai. Writing jab we met with him in mind.

“I tried really hard to make that film (Jab We Met) happen; I reached out to a lot of people…,” he added.

Bobby explained that a producer approached him to make the film. He suggested Imtiaz’s name to direct this new film, but he refused. At the end, they made the film, bringing Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor on board instead.

Yeh Industry Aisi Hai Ki Jis Producer Se Maine Kaha Tha Imtiaz Ko LENE, Ussi Ne ImTiaz Ko Sign Kiya, Mujhe Nikal Diya, Aur Kareena kapoor aur shahid kapoor ko liya for the Role I WAS Suppress to play. So that’s how it happy

How Did Social Media React?

As expected, the revelation triggered a flood of reactions online. Social media users thronged the comments section of the post to share their views, with many users saying they couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Aditya Kashyap. Fans and the internet community agreed that Shahid and Kareena’s pairing made Jab We Met the classic it is today.

“Not gonna lie, Bobby would have been an absolute miscast as Aditya. Preity could have pulled off Geet, but I don’t think she would have been able to nail the subtle expressions or the comedic timing Geet had. Shahid did a pretty good job making the character as opposite to Geet as he could,” a user expressed.

Another stated, “Jab We Met wouldn’t have been as beautiful as it is without Shahid and Kareena!”

“I so cannot imagine Bobby in the role,” read a comment.

An individual wrote, “Shahid was the best choice. I could have understood if Abhay was approached instead, but Bobby? Idk, it wasn’t his best phase as an actor.”

“Jab We Met” might have been a hit or a semi-hit even with a different cast, but it would not have become ICONIC. I think Kareena and Shahid were perfect, especially Geet. I can’t imagine anyone else but Kareena,” said a user.

An account posted, “Nobody can deny that no other actor could’ve played Aditya Kashyap as convincingly. The way in which he and Kareena brought their characters to life was unreal and iconic. Bobby would’ve killed it, and not in a good way.”

Jab We Met’s Storyline

Released in 2007, the widely acclaimed romantic drama follows the heartwarming story of Aditya Kashyap, a frustrated businessman, and Geet Dhillon, a lively Punjabi girl. Made under the direction of Jab We Met, the film showed how their paths cross on a train journey and lead to love and self-discovery. Geet’s infectious energy and Aditya’s quiet nature created pure cinematic magic that viewers love to date.