Bobby Deol Recalls ‘Heartbreak’ Of Being Replaced In Jab We Met: ‘Made Me A Better Person And Actor’

Actor Bobby Deol recently recalled how he was ‘heartbroken’ when he was replaced by Shahid Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali’s 2009 romantic comedy film Jab We Met, even though he got the director and the leading lady Kareena Kapoor onboard in the first place. While speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, he said that being replaced in the film left him heartbroken, but he used the hurt and anger to instead fuel his growth as a person and an actor.

Bobby Deol On Being Replaced In Jab We Met

On Aap Ki Adalat, Bobby Deol opened up about a painful phase in his career, recalling how he felt deeply disappointed after being replaced by Shahid Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali’s romantic comedy Jab We Met. He said the film came at a time when he really needed a strong project like this, especially since he had initially helped bring

both director Imtiaz Ali and lead actress Kareena Kapoor on board. “That story is done now. We’re friends. My heart got broken because I needed a film like this during that phase of my career,” he said.

He shared that he had been impressed by Imtiaz Ali ever since Socha Na Tha, which starred his cousin Abhay Deol. Inspired by the filmmaker’s work, he had actively pushed for a collaboration. “That’s when we first decided we’d make a film together. But when your market position isn’t good, nobody backs you. So much time passed trying to get the film started. The production house I pitched it to said Imtiaz is a very expensive director. But the same production house ended up making the film with Imtiaz, and with the same heroine I’d gotten on board,” recalled Bobby Deol.

Bobby Deol On Using The ‘Hurt And Anger’ To Become Better Actor

“These things do happen. It never happens that only good things happen to someone,” he said.

Bobby admitted that the experience left him “heartbroken,” but he has since made peace with it. He said that during his difficult career phase, he chose to channel feelings of hurt and anger into self-improvement. According to him, those setbacks ultimately helped him grow as both an actor and a person. He also clarified that there are no lingering grievances, and that he now sees those experiences as important lessons rather than regrets.

“When I began working on myself, I decided the hurt and anger I’ve gone through should become my strength. Because you can’t just keep crying about it. These things made me a better person and a better actor. I’ve only learnt from them. I don’t have any qualms with anyone,” he said.