2 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Actor Darshan Jariwala has opened up about the atmosphere on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, recalling the chemistry between Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif while also describing Salman Khan’s cameo in the 2009 romantic comedy as a “great casting coup”.
Jariwala, who played Ranbir’s father in the film, recalled the cast’s extended shoot in Ooty and said the atmosphere on set was filled with laughter and fun.
‘There Was a Chemistry Between Ranbir and Katrina’
Speaking about Ranbir and Katrina’s equation during the shoot, Jariwala said there was no doubt that the two shared chemistry.
He explained that actors often draw from their surroundings and personal experiences when developing their performances, suggesting that the emotions visible between Ranbir and Katrina may have contributed to the connection audiences saw on screen.
The pair’s relationship later became one of Bollywood’s most widely discussed romances, although their personal relationship was not publicly acknowledged at the time of the film’s production.
40-Day Ooty Shoot
Jariwala also remembered the film’s 40-day schedule in Ooty, where the cast and crew spent considerable time together.
He described the atmosphere as lively, saying there was plenty of laughter, fun and good humour during the shoot.
The experience, he suggested, helped create the easygoing energy that became one of the defining characteristics of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
Salman Khan’s Cameo Was a ‘Casting Coup’
Salman Khan’s appearance in the film remains one of its most memorable moments.
Jariwala described director Rajkumar Santoshi’s decision to bring Salman into the film as a guest appearance as a “great casting coup”, particularly because of the comic interaction between Salman and Ranbir.
Salman appeared as himself, and Jariwala said Santoshi did not need to give the superstar specific cues because of his natural screen presence.
No Idea About Their Personal Relationships
At the time Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani was being made, Ranbir was reportedly linked to Deepika Padukone, while Katrina was reportedly associated with Salman Khan.
Asked about the situation, Jariwala said he was not aware of their personal relationships and focused instead on what he observed while working on the film.
Ranbir and Katrina’s On-Screen Pairing Became Popular
Released in 2009, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani marked Ranbir and Katrina’s first film together and became known for their comic-romantic pairing.
The film was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, with Ranbir playing Prem and Katrina portraying Jenny. Jariwala played Prem’s father, Shivshankar Sharma.
Their chemistry was widely praised and became a major part of the film’s appeal.
Jariwala Also Recalls Katrina’s Pronunciation
In the same conversation, Jariwala spoke about working with Katrina on Raajneeti and recalled that she sometimes struggled with Hindi pronunciation.
He said she would occasionally pronounce “Prem” as “Frame”, prompting playful teasing from colleagues, including Ranbir. Jariwala said Katrina was nevertheless a good sport about the jokes.
A Film Still Remembered by Fans
More than a decade after its original release, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani continues to be remembered for its comedy, music and the pairing of Ranbir and Katrina.
The film was also re-released in theatres in 2024, underlining its enduring popularity among Bollywood audiences.
Salman-Ranbir Scene Remains Memorable
The Salman Khan cameo added another layer to the film’s appeal, particularly because of the playful dynamic between the two actors.
Jariwala’s latest comments offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on a film that brought together three major Bollywood stars in a memorable combination of romance, comedy and celebrity cameos.