She was not the first choice but it is a role that has come to define her. Looking back, Preity Zinta says Kal Ho Naa Ho will always have a special place in her heart. The film, which completes 15 years on Wednesday, 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. "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 told PTI in an interview.