Throwback/ When Shahid Kapoor convinced Kareena Kapoor to join the cast of Jab We Met

Jab We Met completed 16 glorious years on October 26. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is remembered for its memorable characters, Aditya Kashyap and Geet, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan, respectively. But did you know that it was Shahid Kapoor who convinced Kareena to take on this iconic role? In a recent interaction with Mid Day, Kareena revealed the story behind her decision to join the cast of Jab We Met.

Kareena Kapoor's hiatus from films

At the time when Jab We Met was in the making, Kareena Kapoor Khan was going through a phase without any film projects. She had not worked in over a year and a half, primarily because she was being selective and turning down big film offers. Films were not aligning with her vision and desires for the kind of roles she wanted.

It was during this period of professional introspection that Imtiaz Ali approached Shahid Kapoor with the film's script. Both Shahid and Kareena were relatively new to Imtiaz, as he had just made his directorial debut with Socha Na Tha.

Kareena confessed that she hadn't seen the film, but Shahid had. Shahid, who believed in the project, saw the potential in the characters and the script. He played a pivotal role in persuading Kareena to take up the role. She said, "I think Imtiaz called up Shahid and narrated the film. We didn’t even know Imtiaz because he had just made Socha Na Tha. I hadn’t seen the film, Shahid I think had seen the film.”

Kareena's reaction to the film

Kareena Khan candidly shared her initial reaction to the offer, saying, "Imtiaz came out of the blue, and it so happened. He approached Shahid, and Shahid told me, 'Hey, listen, you know, he's going to approach you for this role, and it's great,' and I was like yeah, I'll work. I'll do this movie." At that moment, neither of them could predict that Jab We Met would go on to become one of Bollywood's most iconic films.

What's next for Shahid Kapoor?

Shahid Kapoor is gearing up for his upcoming film Deva, which he recently announced. He will be starring opposite Pooja Hegde in the film. The movie is set to hit the screens on October 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan is gearing up for her next film titled The Buckingham Murders. The film has its world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival.