14 years of Kal Ho Naa Ho: Lesser-known facts
What's the story
One of Karan Johar's mega project 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' completes 14 years of its release today.
Starring three stellar actors Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, the film narrates the tale of friendship, romance and tragedy, in as real a manner as it can get!
As we reminiscence about this film today, here are some lesser-known facts about the movie!
First Choice
Preity Zinta wasn't the first choice
It was the time when the BFFs of Bollywood, Kareena and Karan Johar's friendship had hit the rock bottom.
Apparently, Preity wasn't the first choice for the film, it was Kareena. But when she was narrated the script, she demanded a higher fee which Karan didn't approve of.
For almost a year, Karan and Kareena were not on talking terms.
Real life
Resemblance with Karan Johar's real life
While we fought back our tears during the movie, Karan did so while making it.
It was during that time, Karan Johar's father Yash Johar was diagnosed with cancer. When they were shooting for the film in NYC, Yash Johar was undergoing treatment in the same city.
In the film, we see Shah Rukh suffering and then finally dying of cancer.
Director
The film was directed by Nikhil Advani, not Karan
Although the film was Karan Johar's brainchild, he wrote it with all his heart but he did not direct it. It was Nikhil Advani who cashed the opportunity and made a fantastic directorial debut.
Now after 14 years, Karan regrets not directing the film. Nikhil says Karan underestimated himself and his regret is well-understood now.
Arjun Kapoor
Arjun Kapoor was a part of the film
If you thought Arjun Kapoor forayed into the film industry with 'Ishaqzaade' in 2012, you are absolutely wrong.
It was in the year 2003, Arjun joined the film industry as an assistant director and the film was 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'.
The actor himself revealed the fact via a tweet.