Not Shahid Kapoor, this actor was the first choice for Aditya’s role in Jab We Met, but never got the role due to…, he is…

Bobby Deol recalls the heartbreak of losing Jab We Met, reflects on career lows, and praises Imtiaz Ali’s journey.

One of our all-time favourite Bollywood films, Jab We Met, and the iconic chemistry between Geet and Aditya, played by Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, was almost entirely different. Shahid was not the actor originally chosen to play Aditya. Yes, you read it right!

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol was the first choice for the role, a revelation he recently shared during a candid conversation on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

Here’s what Bobby Deol revealed 

Bobby has had his share of ups and downs, but one particular moment from 2007 still lingers in his memory. He revealed recently how he was initially cast for the beloved romantic film Jab We Met, directed by Imtiaz Ali, only to be replaced later by Shahid Kapoor. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Bobby opened up candidly about the ordeal that left him feeling disappointed but reflective.

“During that period, my heart was definitely broken,” Bobby shared. “Some work wasn’t happening. I had watched half of Imtiaz’s script and was completely impressed. I told him, ‘Write it, I want to work with you.’ He started writing, but the producer I approached refused. They said they wouldn’t work with Imtiaz and would go with another director.”

Bobby explained how the producer eventually went ahead with Imtiaz Ali anyway and cast Shahid Kapoor, while Kareena Kapoor, initially approached, also joined the project. “It hurt a lot back then,” he admitted. “It felt unfair, but life has its ways.”

Bobby revealed how setbacks shape maturity!

Reflecting on the experience, Bobby revealed how setbacks shape maturity. “When you go through bad phases, your maturity wavers. Your understanding shakes. But looking back, I realise Imtiaz had to make his name, and he did. I never wanted to hold him back. Even now, I want to work with him someday. I joke with him that when we do a film together, it will be the best film of your career.”

From heartbreak to screen presence

Bobby Deol has moved forward and recently appeared in the web series The Badlands of Bollywood. Directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Gauri Khan, the series also stars Lakshya, Sahar Bamba, and Raghav Juyal. The actor’s performance reflects his evolution in handling both onscreen and offscreen challenges, proving that setbacks can fuel resilience.

“Working on this series was exciting,” Bobby said. “It gave me a chance to collaborate with talented people and enjoy my craft without the pressure I felt during my career lows.”

Highlights

1. Bobby Deol was originally cast in Jab We Met but was replaced by Shahid Kapoor.
2. He openly credits Imtiaz Ali for his career breakthrough and expresses interest in working with him.
3. Bobby recently appeared in the web series The Badlands of Bollywood, produced by Gauri Khan.