Kareena, Shahid and Bobby's Reunion at IIFA 25: A Testament to Time's Healing Power

Mumbai, March 8 (NationPress) Time, though relative, is the greatest catalyst to everything that rests in the fabric of the time-space continuum. A shining example of this was showcased at the recent International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) event in Jaipur, where long-lost friends and former lovers shared the stage.

The event featured Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor reuniting on stage after several years. The spotlight also shone on ‘Animal’ actor Bobby Deol, who joined the two during this memorable moment. The narratives and histories of the three actors were encapsulated within a modest 20 x 15 stage, symbolizing the healing power of time that has mended previous wounds of bitterness.

Kareena and Shahid, once hailed as the “power couple” of Bollywood, experienced a very public and painful breakup towards the end of filming their iconic movie ‘Jab We Met’. While the breakup may not have made a significant stir, it certainly initiated critical changes in the lives of both stars.

Kareena was filming ‘Tashan’ concurrently with ‘Jab We Met’. During the production of ‘Tashan’, she unexpectedly fell in love with actor Saif Ali Khan.

The concept of ‘Tashan’ and its lead female character would naturally attract any actor. Kareena once referred to 'Tashan' as her 'Kill Bill' (the famous Quentin Tarantino film featuring Uma Thurman) and downplayed 'Jab We Met' as merely another film. However, it was the final gift from Kareena and Shahid as a couple, ‘Jab We Met’, that would resonate with a generation and rekindle their belief in timeless romance. In contrast, ‘Tashan’, which rejuvenated Kareena's love life, unfortunately flopped at the box office and is now regarded as one of Bollywood's biggest failures.

Both actors went on to settle down with their respective partners, Saif and Mira Rajput. Despite their dramatic breakup years ago, Kareena and Shahid have matured significantly over the past 18 years. They even collaborated on the film ‘Udta Punjab’, though they did not share any scenes. At the trailer launch in Mumbai back in 2016, they appeared to be in their own worlds, rarely glancing at each other or engaging in conversation.

Last year, both stars were seen at their children's annual school events. They maintained a comfortable distance, not interacting, yet their presence together evoked nostalgia among fans, who referred to it as a “Geet and Aditya” reunion, referencing their characters from ‘Jab We Met’.

The IIFA 2025 stage presented a different atmosphere, as Kareena and Shahid appeared relaxed, engaging in brief conversations, sharing laughter, and even hugging each other, creating waves of nostalgia and joy among their fanbase.

The stage also welcomed Bobby Deol, affectionately dubbed Lord Bobby by netizens, as he shared a moment with Kareena and Shahid. This reunion was serendipitous, considering the strained relationship between Kareena and Bobby after Shahid was cast in ‘Jab We Met’. Bobby once stated in an interview that director Imtiaz Ali initially offered ‘Jab We Met’ to him with Kareena as the lead.

Before Bobby's opportunity could come to fruition, Shahid was cast instead. Bobby had previously accused Kareena of leveraging her star power to secure her then-boyfriend’s role in the film, taking the chance away from the ‘Animal’ star.

As they prepared to grace the upcoming IIFA awards ceremony, Kareena, Shahid, and Bobby all appeared to be in high spirits.