Jab We Met - Comic Page 16 (2020)Shemaroo
"Main Apni Favourite Hoon" – For those who've watched Jab We Met (2007) know the scene very well where actor Kareena Kapoor, playing Geet, claims her self-love without batting an eyelid.
While many think it reflects narcissism, this dialogue turned into a life mantra to have a positive self-image; especially for teenage girls who admired Geet and tried to imitate this vibrant personality.
Released in 2007, Jab We Met is a romantic classic that touched the hearts of every generation. This story will cover every aspect that made Jab We Met so special. From the original choice of cast, the movie title selection, iconic scenes to the brilliant chemistry between actors, and the chartbuster songs, readers will get to know interesting details of their favourite film.
Jab We Met - Comic Page 02 (2020)Shemaroo
Released in 2007, Jab We Met is a romantic classic that touched the hearts of every generation. This story will cover every aspect that made Jab We Met so special. From the original choice of cast, the movie title selection, iconic scenes to the brilliant chemistry between actors, and the chartbuster songs, readers will get to know interesting details of their favourite film.
Jab We Met was directed by Imtiaz Ali and starred actors Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor. The plot revolves around two strangers, Geet Dhillon and Aditya Kashyap who bump into each other on their train journey to Delhi.
Jab We Met - Comic Page 07 (2020)Shemaroo
A turn of events leads to both Geet and Aditya missing the train. Geet believes in living life to the fullest. And her carefree spirit is a stark contrast to Aditya's who is depressed due to his business loss and dejection in love. The story unfolds as these opposite personalities spend time together.
Jab We Met - Comic Page 05 (2020)Shemaroo
Interestingly, Geet's character was inspired by a real-life person whom Imtiaz Ali met during a bus journey. His co-passenger, a girl, spoke continuously every thought that came to her mind and often revealed details of her personal life without hesitance.
Jab We Met - Comic Book CoverShemaroo
The title of the romantic comedy film Jab We Met (2007) was decided by a popular vote. The other choices were 'Punjab Mail' and 'Ishq Via Bhatinda'.
While casting, Imtiaz's first choices were actor Preity Zinta as Geet and actor Bobby Deol as 'Aditya'. But eventually, the director shifted his choice to Shahid Kapoor as Aditya and Kareena Kapoor as Geet.
During that time, Shahid and Kareena were dating each other. Kareena mentioned in an interview how Shahid convinced her to play Geet who had a significant part in the movie. The fans would vouch that no one would have fitted the roles well other than these real-life lovers whose on-screen chemistry was hard to miss. Perhaps this on-screen bond and the dialogue spontaneity added to the movie's charm.
Jab We Met - Comic Page 17 (2020)Shemaroo
The film's dialogue written by Imtiaz Ali bagged numerous awards in its release year.
Whether she was stranded on the streets of Ratlam, eloping from her home in Bathinda or confronting her boyfriend, Anshuman, on leaving her, Geet's carefree spirit comes out through dialogues like:
“Sikhni hoon main ... Bhatinda ki!”
“Batao tumhe main kaisi lagti hun? Achi Lagti hun? Fataak? Mast?”
“Bachpan se hi naa … mujhe shaadi karne ka bahut craze hai, by god.”
"Kyunki yeh mera favorite game hai, Zindagi! Jaise logon ka hota hai na Badminton, Cricket, mera bhi hai, zindagi!
Jab We Met - Comic Page 13 (2020)Shemaroo
The audience also loved Aditya's sharp replies to Geet's impulsive behaviour.
Here are a few gems uttered by Aditya:
“Tumhe uthakar museum mein rakhna chahiye … ticket lagni chahiye tumhe dekhne ke liye”
“Tum hamesha aaise hi bakwaas karti ho ya aaj koi special occasion hai?”
"Tu original piece hai"
Other characters in the movie enjoyed a fair share of memorable dialogues like the trainmaster at Ratlam station saying, a lone girl is like an open treasure chest:
"Akeli ladki khuli hui tijori ke jaisi hoti hai"
Jab We Met - Comic Page 14 (2020)Shemaroo
Or the hotel receptionist's "Ekdum Kadak!" remark for Geet.
The hotel receptionist's character was played by a theatre actor, Ted Maurya, who was also the art director for Jab We Met. Ted agreed to play the character as many actors refused this minor role.
Besides the dialogues, audiences were enchanted by the music and the scene locations of Jab We Met. The music composition by Pritam and lyrics by Irshad Kamil created a string of hits right from the foot-tapping number 'Nagada Nagada', the romantic song 'Tum Se Hi' to a soulful rendition 'Aaoge Jab Tum'.
The Himalayas (1963) by James BurkeLIFE Photo Collection
Himalayas image from the 3rd party collection
The song 'Yeh Ishq Haye' took viewers on a journey to the Himalayas cruising through the scenic views of Rohtang Pass.
Whereas 'Mauja Hi Mauja' became a chartbuster song with singer Mika Singh's voice and a high-energy dance performance by Shahid and Kareena. It continues to be a favourite party number at many social events.
Jab We Met - Comic Page 01 (2020)Shemaroo
Jab We Met had all that it takes to be an award-winning film and a romantic classic: Great script and direction, witty dialogues, great music, scenic locations and a great star cast delivering unmatched performances.
The movie was remade in Tamil with the title Kanden Kadhalai (2009) starring actor Tamannah as ‘Geet’ and actor Bharat as ‘Aditya’. However, the South Indian remake couldn't recreate the spark of the original. Jab We Met's success credit could also be given to the simplicity and honesty in the storytelling which makes it worth a watch even after a decade.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.