Emotional Bobby Deol remembers Imtiaz Ali's 'Jab We Met' betrayal even after helping him out. 'I was really upset'

Bobby Deol has shared a deeply personal and emotional account of how he was edged out of one of Bollywood’s most beloved romantic films, Jab We Met, despite playing a pivotal role in its inception. Speaking to Instant Bollywood, the actor recounted how he was heavily involved in getting the project off the ground, only to later find himself excluded from the final cast and crew.

Reflecting on the early days of the film's development, Bobby revealed that he had seen a rough cut of director Imtiaz Ali’s Socha Na Tha and was so impressed that he immediately approached Imtiaz with an idea. "Look, your film hasn’t released yet; it’s only halfway done. I’m working with you, so write the script," Bobby told him. This, he explained, is how the journey of Jab We Met began.

Efforts to Assemble the Team and Pitch the Script
Bobby went beyond simply backing the script; he actively tried to make the film a reality. He approached multiple people in the industry, seeking the right backing for the project. He recalled that when production house Ashtavinayak showed interest in working with him, he suggested they consider Imtiaz Ali as the director. Initially, they were not on board with the idea. “No, not Imtiaz. We want to go with another director,” the producers had said. Still, Bobby insisted, and eventually, the producers agreed to work with Imtiaz.

Determined to move the film forward, Bobby also began looking for the right female lead. He first reached out to Kareena Kapoor Khan through a contact, but she declined the role. He then approached Preity Zinta, who also turned it down, though she reportedly showed interest in doing it at a later time. Despite the setbacks, Bobby remained committed to bringing the film together.

Sudden Replacement and the Emotional Fallout
Despite his central role in setting up the film—from suggesting the director to trying to lock in a lead actress—Bobby was eventually left out of the project altogether. The same production house and director he had helped connect proceeded with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles, with no place left for him.

“And the industry is such that the producer to whom I had suggested that he take Imtiaz, ended up taking him. Meanwhile, they kicked me out and got Kareena and Shahid instead,” Bobby said, describing the shift that occurred once the film gained momentum.

Dealing With Industry Disappointments
While the experience was disheartening, Bobby shared that he has come to terms with how things unfolded. “It can be tough in the industry; I was really upset about it at the time,” he admitted, but also showed understanding of the challenges faced by others involved. Speaking of Imtiaz, he said, “Imtiaz also had his struggles; he was just starting his career and didn’t have many choices.”

Despite the emotional toll, Bobby expressed that some things are simply beyond one’s control in the film business. “It’s so heartbreaking, but it wasn’t meant to be, or it just never clicked,” he said.

Jab We Met went on to become a massive hit, widely regarded as a modern classic. The film not only elevated Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s careers but also solidified Imtiaz Ali’s reputation as a storyteller. Bobby’s recent revelations offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the complicated and often unforgiving nature of the film industry.