If there’s one Hindi movie that has become the poster child of all feel-good comfort films, it is Jab We Met! The Imtiaz Ali directorial was released way back in 2007 but has managed to attain a cult following even years after its release. Now that it is releasing back in cinemas, we decided to look back at locations where the film Jab We Met was shot.
Jab We Met Filming Locations
Shimla Mall Road, Shimla
The second half of the movie where Geet (Kareena Kapoor Khan) is suffering from a heartbreak in the song ‘Aaoge Jab Tum’ has been shot at Shimla’s iconic Mall Road. Imtiaz Ali cleverly used the long winding roads and shots of her walking aimlessly to show Geet’s inner emptiness.
Most municipal offices, shops, restaurants, and cafes are lined up on this main street and a unique aspect of the street is that no vehicles are allowed here (except emergency vehicles). This makes it a perfect social hub for people to walk and explore the place comfortably. You’ll find plenty of hole-in-the-wall eateries as well as upscale restaurants here, so you would probably be spoilt for choice. Also, you can get plenty of handcrafted items that you can take back as souvenirs.
Naggar Castle, Kullu
Jab We Met gave us the iconic song – Yeh Ishq Hai that still continues to be a chartbuster. The song, which won the National Award for Best Choreography that year, had a few scenes that were shot at Naggar Castle. The town used to be the capital of the Kullu Kingdom.
It was built way back in 1460 by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. However, the Castle has now been converted into a heritage hotel by Himachal Pradesh’s Tourism Board. It has an art museum inside and the rooms offered as stays are equipped with amenities like a television, fireplace, and spacious bathrooms. The castle, made of wood and stone, is a stunning architectural marvel in Naggar and is a must-visit when here.
Bathinda, Punjab
“Sikhni hu main Bathinda ki” (I’m a Sikh girl from Bathinda) was the iconic dialogue Geet delivered that stayed with us long after the movie ended. The city, apart from being Geet’s hometown, has its own old world charm that you simply cannot resist. Many scenes in the movie have been shot at Bathinda in Punjab, and the movie was going to be called Punjab Mail initially!
The historic city houses the Qila Mubarak, the fort where the Sultanate’s first lady ruler, Razia Sultana was kept imprisoned. Bathinda also has the famous Rose Gardens known for their plenty of rose species. The famous Damdama Sahib is only about 30 kilometers away from the city center. Overall, you must definitely visit Bathinda if you’re a fan of history (and Geet).
Rohtang Pass
The song Yeh Ishq Hai was not just shot at Naggar, but also many other locations including the Rohtang Pass. The song begins with Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan driving through the snow-laden Rohtang Pass. The latter then starts dancing to the tunes of the song as they make their way through the Pass.
It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. You’ll surely be mesmerized by stunning views of the Pir Panjal and the Himalayan ranges. Geet and Aditya had their Rohtang Pass adventure, when are you embarking on one?
Mandawa, Rajasthan
The song ‘Aao Milo Chalein’ in the film was shot majorly in Mandawa and neighboring towns. It featured the protagonists making their way from Ratlam to Geet’s hometown in Bathinda. The song offers a glimpse into the local Rajasthani life as the two are enroute to her hometown.
Mandawa is a historic town in the Jhunjhunu district of India’s largest state, Rajasthan and once functioned as a trading outpost. Also the great South Asian Ghazal Singer Mehdi Hassan was born in Mandawa! The town is filled with colorful artworks that you’ll find on its forts, houses, walls, and almost everywhere else, earning it the nickname of ‘an open art gallery’. Apart from Jab We Met, many other Hindi movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and PK have been shot here.
Summing Up
Here we reach the end of the Jab We Met filming locations. The film, with its simple plot and endearing characters, has continued to captivate audiences. Be it Geet’s carefree attitude or Aditya’s ultimate ‘green flag behavior’, the film has become a comfort watch for many people who grew up in the 2000s era of Bollywood.
FAQs
Why Is Jab We Met So Famous?
The film is famous for its feel-good plot, the relatable and endearing characters, the music album, and the sense of nostalgia attached to the film.
Is The Jab We Met Hit Or Flop?
Over the years, the film has earned both critical and commercial success. The re-releases have only proved that the film is still relevant to the younger generation.
Is Jab We Met Family Friendly?
Yes, the film is perfect for a cozy family viewing experience as the film has ample comedic and wholesome moments.
