Actor Tusshar Kapoor, marking 25 years in Hindi cinema, has recalled his earliest encounter with Kareena Kapoor — his co-star in debut film 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai' — tracing it back to a chance meeting in Kashmir in 1988, long before either of them stepped in front of a film camera professionally.

The Kashmir Connection

Tusshar revealed that he first crossed paths with Kareena when the late actor Rishi Kapoor — whom Tusshar affectionately called 'Chintu uncle' — brought his nieces to Kashmir during the shoot of 'Sheshnaag'. That film also featured Tusshar's father, veteran actor Jeetendra. 'I had met her a couple of times in Kashmir, where Chintu uncle was working with my dad and had brought his nieces back in 1988. He had come to Kashmir to shoot 'Sheshnaag',' Tusshar said.

Twelve Years Apart, Then a Debut Together

After that early encounter, Tusshar said the two did not meet again for nearly 12 years — until the cameras rolled on 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai'. He noted they may have crossed paths socially given their overlapping social circles, but there was no sustained contact. 'We did not meet much as kids, maybe once or twice. We became close during my first and second film,' he said.

Even on the sets of their debut film, Tusshar admitted he kept largely to himself. 'During the shoot of 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai' he did not interact much with Kareena as he was completely focused on getting everything right,' he said, reflecting the single-minded intensity of a newcomer trying to prove himself.

25 Years of 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai'

The film completed 25 years of release on 25 May, prompting Tusshar to pen an emotional tribute. 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai… 25 years ago, on 25th May, my journey began with a film that gave me not just a debut, but a lifetime of memories. Honestly, today, when I look back at how time has flown by it feels unreal. So much has changed over the years, but the love I've received from all of you has remained constant through every phase,' he wrote.

He also extended gratitude to everyone who shaped his career. 'I'm truly grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey, my directors, co-actors, teams, friends, family, and, especially, the audience who accepted me and gave me so much love over these past 25 years. Thank you for growing with me,' he added.

A Silver Jubilee and What It Means

The milestone is notable not just for nostalgia — 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai' marked the screen debut of both Tusshar Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, making it a landmark film in the careers of two prominent members of Bollywood's most recognisable film families. Tusshar went on to appear in the 'Golmaal' franchise, while Kareena became one of Hindi cinema's biggest stars. The silver jubilee of their shared debut underscores how formative that single production was for both.