Composer Sandesh Shandilya revealed ‘Aaoge Jab Tum’ wasn’t made for Jab We Met, and how his heartfelt declaration of love convinced Ustad Rashid Khan to sing it after first refusing.
‘Aaoge Jab Tum’ from Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met (2007) is one of those rare songs that instantly touches the heart. Even years after the film’s release, it continues to be remembered as a timeless love ballad that captures longing, devotion, and the quiet magic of true emotion.
But do you guys know that this iconic track was not originally composed for this Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor Khan starrer? In a throwback interview with Planet Bollywood, music composer Sandesh Shandilya recalled the making of this song.
In the late ’90s, Sandesh created a tune in his studio without planning it for any film. At that time, he was working with lyricist Faaiz Anwar on albums like I Love You (sung by Udit Narayan). He shared the tune with Anwar, who wrote the opening lines. The song stayed with Sandesh.
Years later, the composer played the tune for Imtiaz Ali. The director loved it and wanted it in Jab We Met. Sandesh then asked Faaiz Anwar to complete the lyrics by writing the antaras.
Sandesh always felt that only a trained classical singer could bring out the soul of the song. He admired Ustad Rashid Khan and believed his voice had a divine quality that comes from years of riyaaz (practice).
When Sandesh approached Ustad Rashid Khan, the maestro quoted a high fee. Sandesh told him honestly that they couldn’t afford it, but also added, “Aap mana nahin kar sakte kyonki main aap se bahut pyaar karta hun.”
Khan saab was first upset, but then agreed. He asked Sandesh to come to Kolkata. After rehearsals in Mumbai, the final recording was done there, and the rest is history!
More than a decade later, the music album of Jab We Met continues to find new listeners and evoke nostalgia among old fans.
