As ‘Love Aaj Kal’ celebrates its 15th anniversary today, it’s a great time to revisit the film that revolutionised Bollywood’s portrayal of contemporary romance. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film featured Deepika Padukone in the pivotal role of Meera, and Ali fondly reflects on why Padukone was the perfect choice. He noted, “Deepika was the ideal choice for Meera because she possesses a unique sense of silence that added profound depth to the character.”

Deepika’s performance as Meera was marked by a subtlety and emotional depth that struck a chord with audiences. At a time when female characters in Bollywood were often reduced to clichés, Meera Pandit stood out as a trailblazer. She was depicted as a career-focused woman who placed her professional aspirations above her relationship, a narrative that was quite groundbreaking then. ‘Love Aaj Kal’ highlighted the changing dynamics of relationships in the digital era, with Meera’s pragmatic approach to love and life offering a refreshing and realistic viewpoint.

Reflecting on the film’s impact, Padukone shared her thoughts on its 12th anniversary, saying, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since ‘Love Aaj Kal’! Meera was a character who was beautiful both inside and out, and many people related to her at that time. The memories of shooting in Delhi and London still bring a smile to my face.”

Imtiaz Ali, known for his inclination to work with varied actors, made an exception for Padukone. Their collaboration extended beyond ‘Love Aaj Kal’ to the 2015 film ‘Tamasha,’ where Padukone impressed once again as Tara Maheshwari. This ongoing partnership highlighted the creative synergy and mutual trust between the director and actress, leading to another film that explored the intricate nuances of emotions and relationships.

In conclusion, ‘Love Aaj Kal’ not only marked a milestone in Bollywood’s depiction of modern love but also solidified the professional bond between Imtiaz Ali and Deepika Padukone, setting a precedent for future cinematic endeavours.