Did you know Kareena Kapoor Khan was unsure about doing a romantic scene with Abhishek Bachchan in ‘Refugee’?

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Abhishek Bachchan shared the screen together in the 2000 romantic drama ‘Refugee’, directed by JP Dutta. The film, which was the debut of both actors, became a commercial success and the fifth highest-grossing movie of the year. However, Kareena was skeptical about filming romantic scenes with Abhishek at that time.

In an old chat with Simi Grewal on her talk show, Kareena was shown a video message from Abhishek, where he expressed his admiration for her but also playfully criticized her for a particular reason. He added that he would never forgive the actress for ruining him in a scene because he remembered the first thing she ever said to him: “AB, this is our first romantic scene together, and how can I fall in love with you? You’re like my brother.”

Abhishek was referring to the sequence at a Dargah in the film, where Kareena’s character pleads with Abhishek’s character to stay. Kareena had confided in director Dutta about her discomfort with the romantic scenes, saying, “JP uncle, how can I do those scenes when I consider him to be my brother?”

Despite their on-screen chemistry, their professional relationship remained friendly until complications arose when Kareena’s sister, Karisma Kapoor, and Abhishek ended their long-term relationship. In a candid conversation with former journalist Rajeev Masand, Kareena reflected on their time together, stating that Abhishek was the first actor with whom she had her first shot. She clarified that he holds a special place in her heart that no one else can take. She added how proud she is of him and, unfortunately, how things turned sour.

Kareena acknowledged that if Abhishek is not interested in collaborating on future projects, she respects that decision and believes others should do the same. Apart from ‘Refugee’, the duo appeared together only once more in the 2003 film ‘Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon’.