Released in 2007, Jab We Met not only serves as a romantic comedy but also as a guide of emotions for those who have ever lost their identity and later won love back. The director, Imtiaz Ali, portrayed the life of a heartbroken businessman named Aditya (Shahid Kapoor) and a chatterbox like Geet (Kareena Kapoor), whose train ride turned out to be a metaphor for rediscovering life. The chemistry between the two wasn’t expressed through grand gestures but rather through simple instances, conversations, and bonds.
Kareena Kapoor Almost Missed Being the “It Girl“
Interestingly, Kareena Kapoor nearly did not accept Jab We Met at first. It was actually Shahid Kapoor who persuaded her to accept the character of Geet, a move that turned out to be a major breakthrough in her career. The character of Geet, with her vibrant personality and memorable lines, became one of the dearest characters in Bollywood, like the “Main apni favourite hoon” line. The movie showed that the roles we almost refuse to take are sometimes the ones that define us.
The Iconic Line That Wasn’t Scripted
“Main apni favorite hoon.”
That one single line turned into a self-love anthem for millions of people. Nevertheless, it was not part of the original script. Kareena made it up on the spot while filming, and it immediately captured Geet’s character: self-assured, unrepentant, and vibrant. Even after so many years, that single line still motivates people to choose themselves as the number one priority and define self-love.
Imtiaz Ali’s Creative Filming Choice
Imtiaz Ali, the director, filmed the second part of the movie in reverse order. Why? Because the clever manoeuvre not only contributed to the authenticity of Kareena’s transition but also made her voice transform to portray Geet’s emotionally exhausted persona. It blurred the line between actor and character, and the authenticity of her acting increased to the fullest.
A Legacy That Still Feels Fresh
Even after eighteen years, Jab We Met is still the ultimate comfort movie. It is the movie that you crave when you need a good laugh, a peek of hope, or simply a confirmation that the healing process can be through places that one would not expect, such as a train journey with a person you do not know at all.
Moreover, it taught us the truth that even if life appears to be going nowhere and is tough, we can find our way back.
