What happens when you meet but don't recognize your soul-mate before they marry someone else?
This idea was explored in Imtiaz Ali's 2009 romantic dramedy Love Aaj Kal starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Rishi Kapoor.
The film juxtaposes two love stories from two different eras to demonstrate the idea that while cultures and technologies around us have changed with the passage of time, the experience of being in love has not.
A modern-day couple living in London, Jai and Meera don't believe in tying each other down. When professional opportunities pull them in different directions, they decide to split amicably. However, they stay in touch and eventually Meera becomes engaged to someone else.
Jai arrives to attend Meera's wedding and everything seems to be fine. However, during a break in the events, Jai is told that Meera wants to meet with him alone.
While Meera asked for the meeting, she remains silent as Jai tries to convince Meera that he is okay. But who is he really trying to convince? What follows is a monologue which, at times, seems to fall into a soliloquy as a new understanding begins to dawn on Jai.
Meera, I'm absolutely fine. Okay?
There's nothing to worry about.
It's your wedding day. And you were looking at me.
I saw that.
"Is Jai okay? Is his system ... because of my marriage ... experiencing any disturbances?"
And what if it is, Meera?
And if it turns out to be true? That there is something?
There actually is ... love.
Which happens only once ...
Soul-mates.
Two people who are made for each other.
Can't live without each other.
So, they keep searching for one another and all the other nonsense that Veer Singh talks about in his coffee shop ...
What if it's true?
So, then what?
Can you just ignore that please, Meera.
Delete, all right.
Please believe me, I'm okay.
I became nervous.
You were looking at me, and I'm seeing you after such a long time.
By the way, you're looking hot!
Hot!
No, you don't know ... You've never looked this beautiful before.
Meera, the bride.
You had to get married?
You were fixed on that.
And if that's what you wanted you could have insisted on it. Yes?
You used to ask me for things.
"Take me out for an ice cream. How does this dress look on me? Take me out shopping."
If you had asked for this, Meera ... "You'll have to marry me, Jai ... I don't care, you have to do it."
If you had forced me ...
Then who knows, Meera ...
Who knows?
I can't believe it.
Why am I saying this now?
I should go.
Yes.
I'm fine, Meera.
Yes ... I know ... but ... seriously, I'm all right, okay?
Anyway ... All the best, Meera.
Congratulations on your wedding.
By the way, what's your status now?
Are you married already or are you still single? What's the scene? Because these rites and rituals are ...
Are you married, Meera? Huh?
...Wow ... !
This had to happen.
I knew it.
It's nothing to get shattered over ... that doesn't mean that I'm shattered.
Funny ... I mean, it's not a surprise.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I can't turn back the clock.
I can't bend time.
I mean, obviously ... even if I tried ... what's the point?
Because ... the way ...
... shit ...
Check out our other Dialogues or Love Aaj Kal posts.