Approaching its 20th anniversary, Kal Ho Naa Ho remains a beloved film, with director Nikkhil Advani recently sharing an anecdote from the film’s making.
Advani revealed that Shah Rukh Khan, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, faced a daunting challenge just four days into filming due to an injury. Khan’s back troubles raised concerns, almost leading him to consider leaving the project.
In an interview, Advani recalled the tense moments when Shah Rukh Khan was experiencing back issues. However, the team opted for a delayed shoot, allowing Khan time to recover before resuming filming, causing an unforeseen six-month production delay.
Advani also discussed the immense pressure he felt directing Kal Ho Naa Ho. With prior blockbuster successes like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, he felt the weight of maintaining the production house’s stellar record. Any deviation could invite scrutiny and place responsibility on Advani’s shoulders.
The iconic film centres on Naina (played by Preity Zinta), whose life undergoes a transformation upon meeting Aman (portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan).
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, slated to release on December 22.