Fatima Sana Shaikh

What happens when a quiet, routine-bound man in his 40s awakens a part of himself he never knew existed? Netflix’s Aap Jaisa Koi offers a quiet but powerful answer — not with grandeur, but with heart. Starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, this tender love story invites audiences into an emotionally rich world where love isn’t just about grand gestures, but about mutual respect, unlearning, and inner liberation.

Set across the textured backdrops of Jamshedpur and Kolkata, Aap Jaisa Koi explores the life of Shrirenu Tripathi (Madhavan), a man who has lived his life quietly, shaped by tradition, habit, and emotional restraint. His life takes a turn when he meets Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a spirited, unapologetic woman who refuses to be defined by societal expectations.

 

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A Meeting of Opposites… or Equals?
The trailer, which dropped today, opens with a traditional matchmaking scene. Shrirenu, mild-mannered and clearly uncomfortable in emotionally charged settings, meets Madhu, who immediately challenges his worldview. She drinks with her family, speaks her mind, and refuses to shrink herself to fit anyone’s expectations. When Shrirenu says she can do what she wants within limits after their wedding, Madhu pointedly asks, “Why should you get to decide my limits?”

This small but powerful moment sets the tone for what Aap Jaisa Koi truly aims to unpack: not just romance, but the social structures that often masquerade as love — control, gender roles, emotional suppression, and the silent assumptions made in the name of tradition.

R. Madhavan’s Return to Romance — But Not As We Know It
For audiences who fell in love with Madhavan through Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein or Tanu Weds Manu, this film offers a different flavor of romance — matured, quiet, and introspective. “Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played,” Madhavan shares. “He’s full of emotion, yet struggles to express it. This isn’t a loud or dramatic film — it’s gentle and deeply affecting.”

In an age where romance often gets wrapped in glitter or tragedy, Aap Jaisa Koi opts for realism — the quiet ache of feeling overlooked, the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs, and the joy of finally meeting someone who sees you for who you are and who you could become.

Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu: Fierce, Feminine, Free
As Madhu, Fatima brings fire, freedom, and complexity. She’s not just a love interest — she’s a force of change. Her character questions not only her partner’s assumptions, but also the very foundation of how women are expected to behave in love. “Madhu embodies strength with softness,” Fatima says. “This role felt therapeutic, because it allowed me to explore love beyond the usual tropes. It’s about being equal, not compliant.”

In many ways, Madhu is the mirror Shrirenu didn’t know he needed — a woman who challenges him to shed his emotional armor, question his beliefs, and open his heart.

“Barabari Wala Pyaar” — Love Built on Equality
Directed by Vivek Soni (Meenakshi Sundareshwar) and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, the film leans into its core message of barabari wala pyaar — a love where partners walk side by side, not one trailing the other. This theme is timely and essential, especially in Indian storytelling, where relationships are too often skewed by gendered power dynamics.

With a stellar supporting cast including Ayesha Raza, Manish Chaudhari, and Namit Das, Aap Jaisa Koi promises a layered, emotionally intelligent narrative. It’s a story about love, yes — but also about identity, patriarchy, vulnerability, and the quiet revolution that begins within.

Why Aap Jaisa Koi Matters
In an era oversaturated with hyper-dramatic or formulaic love stories, Aap Jaisa Koi feels like a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that love isn’t about fixing the other person, but freeing yourself. It dares to ask — what if the most romantic thing we can do is allow our partner to grow? What if the best kind of love isn’t about grand declarations, but about soft, daily choices that say: I see you. I respect you. I’m learning, too.

So this July 11, log into Netflix not just for a film — but for a reflection. Because sometimes, all it takes is meeting someone like you to finally become who you’re meant to be.

Netflix is all set to bring a fresh take on love and companionship with its upcoming original film, Aap Jaisa Koi, streaming from July 11. Starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film promises a charming blend of old-school romance and contemporary sensibilities — all wrapped in a heart-warming family drama.

Set against the rich tapestry of Indian familial life and layered with emotional nuance, Aap Jaisa Koi tells the story of Shrirenu, a buttoned-up Sanskrit teacher, and Madhu, a feisty French instructor. Directed by Vivek Soni (of Meenakshi Sundareshwar fame), the film explores how two polar opposites find common ground — and love — in the most unexpected of circumstances.

R. Madhavan, returning to the romantic genre that has long endeared him to audiences, brings quiet strength and emotional depth to his role. Fatima Sana Shaikh, meanwhile, lights up the screen with her spirited presence. Their dynamic is at the heart of this tender and intimate narrative that dares to question traditional relationship roles while embracing vulnerability and the courage to love again.

 

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“Aap Jaisa Koi is a film about breaking free from the walls we build around ourselves,” shares director Vivek Soni. “It’s about embracing the awkwardness and vulnerability of love… a story that reflects the quiet courage it takes to truly let someone in.”

Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, the film embodies the studio’s trademark ability to reimagine classic love stories for modern times. The producers highlight how Aap Jaisa Koi speaks to a generation seeking authenticity in relationships — where love grows not through perfection, but through emotional honesty and equality.

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films, Netflix India, calls the film “a romance drama about love that sprouts amidst fallen hopes and gated traditions,” praising its nuanced storytelling, captivating visuals, and standout performances from a stellar cast that also includes Ayesha Raza.

With Aap Jaisa Koi, Netflix continues its commitment to delivering powerful, emotionally resonant Indian narratives. This grown-up romance — filled with humor, introspection, and genuine warmth — invites viewers to witness love that challenges conventions and embraces imperfections.

Whether you’re drawn by poetic Sanskrit, flirtatious French, or just the universal language of love, Aap Jaisa Koi is a must-watch. Streaming exclusively on Netflix from July 11, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings create the most unforgettable stories.