Imtiaz Ali Dreamed Of Casting Bobby Deol And Preity Zinta In Jab We Met

Bollywood has seen many iconic on-screen pairings, but there are some that never came to fruition. Initially, Imtiaz Ali considered Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta for the blockbuster movie “Jab We Met.”

The Dream Pairing

Shahid Kapoor and Kareena in Jab We Met

Imtiaz Ali, renowned for his unique storytelling and unforgettable characters, had a surprising initial vision for “Jab We Met.” He had Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta in mind for the lead roles. This revelation might astonish many, considering the final cast of Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan, which is now deeply ingrained in the audience’s memory.

Bobby Deol And Preity Zinta’s Journey

Both Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta have had illustrious careers in Bollywood. Bobby Deol, part of the famous Deol family, has given many hits and has recently seen a resurgence in his career.  Imitiaz told Galatta India that:

“He is one of the best friends I will ever have. So I was trying to make it with him. But it never got made to the extent that many years passed… Bobby was doing some other work, so I thought let it be, let’s not make this film together. We shook hands on that.”

Preity Zinta, known for her bubbly on-screen persona, has also left a significant mark in the industry. Imtiaz Ali stated that with regards to the Geet part, he also spoke with Preity Zinta.

“I had also gone to Preity Zinta. Jab We Met was the most rejected film of my life. It was being rejected everywhere. It was when I narrated the film to Preity Zinta in her house, that she laughed. I thought she is laughing at me, mocking me! But she said it was really funny. So, I continued narrating. That was the first time somebody had complimented the film. So I owe it to her and whenever I meet her I give her a special hug and thank her that, You were the first person, who told me this film is ok. So Bobby and Preity Zinta is the pairing I wanted but it didn’t happen.”

The Impact Of “Jab We Met”

“Jab We Met” became a cult classic, with its dialogues and songs still resonating today. Critics lauded the chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan, considering the film one of their finest performances. This success story leaves one to ponder on the potential outcome with Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta as the leads, a missed opportunity that could have altered Bollywood history.

Shahid Kapoor and Kareena in Jab We Met BTS