Bobby Deol says he was heartbroken when removed from 'Jab We Met', which starred Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor eventually: 'I have nothing against Imtiaz'

Bobby Deol is enjoying a great phase in his career at the moment with work like 'Animal' and now 'Ba***ds Of Bollywood'. While his popularity has only grown over the years, Bobby has often spoken about the tough phase in his life. Earlier, 'Jab We Met' was to be made with him, infact, he was the first one to come across the story and saw Imtiaz Ali's caliber. He also approached producers for backing the film and actresses for playing the part of Geet. However, the film eventually got made and without him. Talking about it on recent interview, Bobby said that he holds no ill will but at that point, he was extremely heartbroken.

The 'Barsaat' actor said during an interview with Raj Shamani, "I was heartbroken, as I said, these things break your heart. I was not getting work, I was doing films with certain directors which… I was just doing them. They were typical Bollywood films, and there was this story that Imtiaz… I have nothing against Imtiaz, I love the guy."

While he praised Imtiaz Ali’s vision, Bobby also reflected on the choices the director had to make. “I guess, in that moment in his career, he was also insecure, and he also had to make choices. But the thing happened in the most bad way.”

The actor remembered first coming across Imtiaz’s work while watching rushes of 'Socha Na Tha', which featured his cousin Abhay Deol. Impressed, Bobby asked Imtiaz to write something for him. Around the same time, a producer approached him with another project. Bobby suggested Imtiaz as director, but the producer refused. Bobby then turned to casting ideas and recommended Kareena Kapoor, who declined the role. Months later, he approached Preity Zinta, who agreed—though only after a delay of six to seven months.

That’s when things took a turn. “Ussi 6 mahine baad, vohi log jo Imtiaz ko nahi lena chahte the, unhone hi produce ki, Imtiaz ko sign kiya, Kareena Kapoor ne kiya aur Shahid Kapoor played the role I was supposed to play… Geet tha title jab kahaani likhi gayi thi. But it was my destiny, I wasn’t meant to be in it. But at that time, I was heartbroken,” Bobby shared.

Speaking earlier to Instant Bollywood, he had summed up the experience: “I tried really hard to make that film (Jab We Met) happen; I reached out to a lot of people… It can be tough in the industry; I was really upset about it at the time.”

Even so, Bobby has never spoken bitterly about Imtiaz Ali. For him, the setback was painful, but he acknowledged the director’s circumstances, saying the choices were necessary for the film to succeed.