She was not the first choice but it was a role that defined her. Looking back, Preity Zinta says Kal Ho Na Ho will always have a special place in her heart.

“It was very special to me because I lost my first love. I was in love with him, he was not. I felt strongly when the film was offered to me. Some of the best things have happened to me during that film,” Preity said.

The film, which completes 15 years last week, was first offered to Kareena Kapoor but it came to Preity after she declined it. Ironically, Preity was supposed to play Geet in Jab We Met, a role that Kareena will forever be associated with.

The actor had turned down Jab We Met but has no regrets about the film, which is considered a modern romantic classic. Preity said she and Kareena have a karmic connection.

“We both are in very good karma with each other because she said no to Kal Ho Na Ho and I said no to Jab We Met, both of them are iconic and career defining films. People tell me they liked me a lot in Kal Ho Na Ho and I think she did a wonderful job as Geet,” she said.