Before Shahid Kapoor, THIS actor was offered the role of lead in Jab We Met, he was replaced after.., he is now…

In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, nothing is predictable. Films change, scripts are rewritten, casting decisions are reversed, and fortunes flip overnight. One moment, you’re the hero. Next, you’re out of the frame. One such similar case happened with one of the most beloved actor of Bollywood, who is currently making waves with his powerful portrayal of Ajay Talvar in The Ba*ds of Bollywood.

Yes, the actor that we are talking about is none other than Bobby Deol.

Recently, in a candid conversation with Raj Shamani, the actor revisited one of the most painful chapters of his career, losing the lead role in Imtiaz Ali’s cult classic Jab We Met to Shahid Kapoor.

The Missed Opportunity

Recalling about the time he lost the blockbuster film “Jab We Met”, Bobby shared the first time he crossed paths with the filmmaker Imtiaz Ali. He said, it was when he watched the rough cut of Socha Na Tha in the early 2000s, he was instantly struck by the filmmaker’s vision. “I was bowled over. I told him I wanted to work with him no matter what,” Bobby shared. At the time, Imtiaz had already scripted Jab We Met, then titled Geet.

Bobby revealed that he was very passionate about that project; therefore, he began pitching it to producers and top actresses. “I sent it to Kareena Kapoor. She sweetly heard it but said no. Later, I asked Preity Zinta, but she said she could only do it after six months,” he revealed.

However, as Imtiaz’s reputation grew, the film suddenly became a priority for those who had once rejected it. Eventually, Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan came on board, creating one of Bollywood’s most beloved romances.

A Heartbreaking Moment

For Bobby, when he came to know that he was replaced by Shahid Kapoor, he felt devastated, he said. “I was heartbroken. I had no work. I thought the role was mine. It was a time when I wasn’t getting good films. The ones I did get were the typical Bollywood movies with no real spark,” he admitted.

Yet, despite the setback, Bobby made it clear he had no resentment toward Imtiaz Ali. “I have nothing against him. I love the guy. He is one of the most talented directors in the industry. But at that moment in his career, he must have been insecure and had to make choices. It just happened in a bad way. It was not meant to be. But at that time, it really broke my heart,” he reflected.

The Comeback Era

But that’s is the thing about time. It always changes. While Jab We Met was a missed opportunity for Bobby Deol, he later found redemption in roles that seemed tailor-made for him, including Abrar Haque in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. Now, with the roaring reception of The Ba*ds of Bollywood, Bobby Deol has firmly re-established himself, proving that some roles are simply destined for some actors.

Story Highlights:

Bobby Deol first met Imtiaz Ali when he watched the rough cut of Socha Na Tha in the early 2000s.
Bobby Deol was first offered the role of lead in Jab We Met.
Kareena kapoor initially denied doing Jab We Met.
Bobby Deol was replaced by Shahid Kapoor.