Dear Jia

Dear Jia ,

It’s been 17 years since we last saw you as a child artist in Nikhil Advani ’s directorial film “ Kal Ho Na Ho ” . You were an innocent kid who often cried amidst some emotional moments on the film . You were the most chirpy , lively and friendly girl . Being a step sister to Naina Catherine Kapoor ( Preeti Zinta ) she treated you like her own sister . I can still recall the scenes where you prayed earnestly to Lord Jesus with your mother in front of the altar while your grandmother worshipped a Sikh God . Your dream of a happy family turned into a fruition when Aman ( Shahrukh Khan) came into the picture .

One of the most interesting parts in the film were , your unending gossips with Aman . Although your grandmother disliked you but you were loved unconditionally by your sister and mother Jennifer Kapur ( Jaya Bachan) . You danced energetically in the song “ Pretty Woman” along with experienced actors and actresses . While the first half of the film was going on , you were infatuated with Aman and wanted a perfect man like him in the future . Your infatuation was based on purity and respect for the man . I still can’t forget how Aman used to tell you the famous lines “ Aaj ek hase aur batloon , ek dua aur maanglo , ek sapna aur dekh loon .. Kya pata ? Kal Ho Na Ho .” I wonder if you could have understood these deep rooted words by Javed Akhtar . Nevertheless you smiled like as if you comprehended the monologue in such a tender age . I felt utterly pity on you when Laajo Kapur ( Sushma Seth) , your strict grandma scolded Jennifer for having kept you under her love and guidance for a very long time . You heard the heating argument and went downstairs to cry your heart out . It’s okay if your father had an extra marital affair which resulted in your birth . I believe it’s common in United States of America just where the movie had been set . As the second half of the film progressed , you became slightly nervous and apprehensive if Aman would ever be with your elder sister , Naina . Your occasional dance moves in the song “ Maahi Ve” made me realise that young girls can add so much glamour and beauty to a dance number . The most heart rending scene was when you visited Aman at the hospital . Your heart was at your mouth to know that Aman , your so called “ lover” was battling against a heart disease . Oh ! I could see your teardrops making a river down your cheek . That was indeed the last time that we saw you . After which , the movie took a leap and it showed us how Naina and Rohit had become parents living in other part of the city .

Jia you have made all of us laugh , smile , cry and still be okay at the end . You taught us how a young girl could be connected with one’s family and that how you cared for the well being of your near ones . I genuinely admire your childish behaviour and inner qualities . Today you’ve turned into a gorgeous lady in the early 20’s . I think I should rather call you by your original name “ Jhanak Shukla” rather than Jia Kapur . I will always fancy your character and reminisce the old , glorious film made under the banner of Karan Johar’s ‘ Dharma Production ’ .

I urge you to keep acting in films for your talent is awe inspiring . Lastly , let me quote the exact line from Adele ‘s music video ‘Someone like you ’ “ I wish nothing but the best for you . ”

With immense love and support ,

Abhishek Mukhia