Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma’s film Jab Harry Met Sejal had high expectations but didn’t quite meet them. Director Imtiaz Ali later admitted that he didn’t fully use Shah Rukh Khan’s star power in the film. He said, “Shah Rukh Khan is so approachable that you forget how big a star he really is,” adding, “His down-to-earth nature made me overlook the need to fully use his stardom in the film.”
In an interview with Mid-day, Imtiaz Ali reflected on why Jab Harry Met Sejal didn’t succeed. He acknowledged that he didn’t take advantage of Shah Rukh Khan’s star power as much as he should have. He admitted that Khan’s humble and approachable nature made him forget to highlight the actor’s strengths.
Looking back, Imtiaz Ali felt he may have made a mistake. He explained that if he had considered Shah Rukh Khan’s stardom more, he would have approached the film differently. He said, “I wouldn’t have made it too ‘filmy,’ but I would have included elements like flashbacks and scenes to showcase his strengths as an actor and a superstar. I didn’t think about that, and it showed.”
Imtiaz Ali also talked about his filmmaking approach, saying he focuses on the story above all else. He explained that, whether in films, television, or theatre, his priority is the narrative. The actors are there to bring the story to life, but the story itself is the central focus of the creative process.
Earlier, Shah Rukh Khan took the film’s failure positively. In an interview with Telegraph India, he expressed disappointment at not meeting fans’ expectations. He was drawn to the film’s simple story about two people searching for a lost ring, which he saw as a slice-of-life narrative. Staying true to his humorous side, SRK joked that he’s ready for something bigger next time, saying, “No more slice-of-life, this time I need a whole pumpkin.”
Jab Harry Met Sejal, released in 2017, is a Bollywood romantic drama directed by Imtiaz Ali. It stars Shah Rukh Khan as a European tour guide and Anushka Sharma as a young woman looking for her engagement ring. Set in picturesque European locations, the film explores love and self-discovery as the characters’ journey evolves from a simple search into a deeper connection.
Despite its star power and beautiful visuals, the movie received mixed reviews. Critics pointed out its uneven tone and weak plot, though fans liked the chemistry between the lead actors and the soundtrack by Pritam. Although it didn’t perform well commercially, it is remembered for its thoughtful take on romance and character development.
