TWO strangers. One obscure, desolate railway station. That’s Imtiaz Ali’s second feature film Jab We Met in a nutshell. To add to the pleasure of stargazing, Ali (above, in the picture, with Kareena Kapoor) had roped in real-life lovers Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor as the protagonists who fall in love in the film.

Everything was hunky dory about the love-struck couple who shot across India for the film. Then there were rumours of a break-up. Ali, however, is unfazed. “Those who love gossip can read the glossies. Sensible movie lovers will go to the theatres to watch my film,” says the 35-year-old. “Many claim that the news of their break-up has been concocted to evoke interest in my film.”

Ali — whose debut film Socha Na Tha, starring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia, flopped — has his chin high. “Don’t forget that Socha Na Tha was critically appreciated,” he says. “Both Shahid and Kareena were very excited when I shared the script. With the two of them on board,it was no longer difficult to find a producer.”

In Jab We Met, which will release in October, Ali promises more than the stars. There is a picturesque India with the Himalayas and hill stations, deserts and havelis of Rajasthan and a colourful Punjab. “The film is an adventure, covering the better part of north India,” says the travel-crazy filmmaker.

Ali, who hails from Jamshedpur, landed in the city of dreams to be a filmmaker.But it was a long journey before he found himself in the studios of Mumbai. “While in college in Delhi, I became involved in theatre. Then I directed television shows before bagging the offer for my debut film,” he says. “All I can say is that ours is a fair industry that gives everyone his or her due.”