Kal Ho Naa Ho
Encyclopedia
Kal Ho Naa Ho is a 2003
Hindi film set in New York City
. It stars Shahrukh Khan
, Preity Zinta
, Saif Ali Khan
and Jaya Bachchan
. The film was directed by first-timer Nikhil Advani
, it was produced by Yash Johar
and co-written by Karan Johar
, better known as the director of the hit films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
(1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001). The movie is also noted for its soundtrack, which was a huge commercial and critical success and earned the composers Shankar Ehsaan Loy the National Film Award for Best Music Direction
. The film was screened at the Valenciennes, Era New Horizons
, Marrakech International
and Helsinki Film Festival
.
Unlike with many other Hindi
productions, the film's makers also complied with international copyright laws and obtained the license to use Roy Orbison
's "Oh, Pretty Woman
" for an extended musical sequence taking place in the streets in New York.
) is an angry young woman, for more than one reason. Her father committed suicide
when she needed him the most, leaving her mother Jennifer (Jaya Bachchan
) to raise their two young children Shiv (Atith Naik) & Gia (Jhanak Shukla) all alone. The restaurant Jennifer operates is faltering. Furthermore, Naina's paternal grandmother, Lajjo (Sushma Seth
), blames Jennifer for the suicide and refuses to accept Gia (Jhanak Shukla
), a six-year-old girl whom Jennifer adopted, as her granddaughter, blaming her for bringing bad luck to the family. Naina has to put up with the daily fights that take place in the house as a result. The bright spots in her life are the toiling and tolerant Jennifer and Naina's bumbling MBA classmate Rohit (Saif Ali Khan
).
Aman Mathur (Shahrukh Khan
) arrives in Naina's neighbourhood and soon changes everything. Noticing the sadness of his new neighbours, he intervenes. His well-meaning interference in their activities, his revival of their financial condition, and his general optimism
, soon change their lives for the better. Although Naina is initially reluctant to enjoy Aman's presence as others do and is irritated by his extroverted, overly-enthusiastic attitude, she grows to like him and eventually falls in love with him.
Meanwhile, her friend Rohit has been in love with her. On Aman's encouragement, he calls Naina for lunch but before he can confess to her, she reveals her love for Aman. Rohit informs Aman about this and leaves shortly for his parents' home. Naina goes to Aman's house where, to stop her from confessing her feelings to him, Aman tells her that he is married to a woman named Priya (Sonali Bendre
), who is actually his doctor.
Aman, it is revealed, is dying of a severe condition that is progressively weakening his heart. Knowing that his lifespan is limited, he goes through life facilitating friendships and courtship, and urging people to enjoy themselves in the present moment since "Tomorrow might never come". His excursions into such altruism
, eventually leads him to sacrifice his love for Naina and instead play matchmaker between her and Rohit. After a few weeks of courtship, Naina starts to like Rohit as more than just a friend. However, when she finds out that Aman has been helping Rohit to woo her, she gets very angry at them both. Eventually though, she accepts Rohit's proposal of marriage.
The tension within Naina's family also stops when Aman, after accidentally intercepting a personal letter addressed to Jennifer, reveals that Gia is Naina's half-sister through their father's extramarital affair. Jennifer's selfless acceptance of her husband's infidelity is what led to his suicide. Lajjo finally accepts Gia, and the now-united family wholeheartedly prepare for Rohit and Naina's wedding.
As the film progresses, Aman's health deteriorates. At the engagement party of Rohit and Naina, an episode of intense excitement nearly kills him. Naina, in a chance-encounter, meets Priya, Aman's supposed wife, and learns the truth of Priya being Aman's doctor. She then realises that Aman had lied about his marriage to hide his true condition, and possibly, the fact that he loves her too. She goes to see Aman, and although he defiantly refuses to admit his true feelings, she finally understands that he loves her as well. Aman convinces Naina to get married to Rohit anyway, because he knew he won't live much longer. She accepts, and shortly after Rohit and Naina marry. Aman eventually dies of his weakness, with both of them by his side.
Twenty years later, an older Naina relates the story of Aman's selfless love to a grown Gia. And, it is seen that she and Rohit now have a daughter of their own.
The film was written by Karan Johar
with dialogue from Niranjan Iyengar
and directed by his former assistant director Nikhil Advani
. It was the last film to be produced by Yash Johar
before his death. The choreography was by Farah Khan
. Manish Malhotra
designed the costumes of the three lead actors.
Pre-production of the film began in 2003. Kareena Kapoor
was initially the first choice for Naina, but due to money issues she refused the role. Preity Zinta
was the immediate next choice, and according to the director of the film, Nikhil Advani, "Somewhere at the back of my mind she [Zinta] was always Naina Catherine Kapur. She understands that lifestyle. She didn't have to do anything."
Shooting began in 2003 in New York City
. A major portion of the movie was also shot in Toronto
due to production costs in New York City
.
It was the second Bollywood film to attain wide release in Germany
in early 2005 (the first was Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
). Since the film's release, Bollywood movies have become increasingly popular in Germany, and other Indian films have also been shown on prime time
television and have sold well on DVD
. The movie was released in Poland
in May 2006 as Gdyby jutra nie bylo (If Tomorrow Never Comes), and in France
in 2005 as New-York Masala.
gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and said: "Yes, Kal Ho Naa Ho does live up to the expectations. Yes, the SRK-Karan Johar magic does cast a spell the third time around. The film works, courtesy SRK's incredible performance and Karan's deft writing. On the whole, Kal Ho Naa Ho has all it takes to emerge victorious. Keeping in mind its merits and the opening that the film has generated, Kal Ho Naa Ho should emerge a winner, setting new records in days to come!" Archana Vohra from NDTV
gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, stating, "Advani ... seems to have come up with an innovative way to present a done to death plot," later adding that "irrespective of the frills, fancy clothes and well-dressed stars, the film does strike a chord and is a brilliant debut by Nikhil Advani." Rediff.com
rated it as worth watching! and stated: "The film is fresh in treatment and storytelling. Shah Rukh excels as the supercool Aman. You understand why it is difficult for Karan to work with any other actor, because SRK steals the show with a designer-made role. Given SRK's performance, it is all the more important to take note of Saif, whose Rohit Patel will be remembered just as much as his Sameer in Dil Chahta Hai. Saif is first-rate, and your heart goes out to this under-rated actor. Preity Zinta slips into character beautifully. Right from the preppy spectacles to her no-nonsense demeanor, Preity captures the spirit of Naina Kapur. She has never looked so pretty. Kal Ho Naa Ho will carry you with its exuberance." In a positive review, Dave Kehr
from The New York Times
concluded, "This is a rich meal that may best be reserved for stomachs accustomed to such bountiful fare."
Komal Nahta
from Outlook
, in a three-star review, remarked, "[writer] Johar has packaged the drama so very contemporarily that the final product holds its own. Undoubtedly, [the film] is one of the cleverest love triangles in Hindi cinema." Ziya Us Salam wrote for The Hindu
, "Watch Kal Ho Naa Ho. It is like life. It gives you reason to be disappointed, just as it gives you reason to hope."
The film also received some mixed reviews, Ram Kamal Mukherjee
from Stardust
praised the film's performances, technical aspects and its entertainment value, but noted several flaws in its "logistic part". Rama Sharma from The Tribune
concluded, "Kal Ho Na Ho is a usual filmi love web with a cosmopolitan appeal and a lot of comedy packed in the first half." Jami Bernard
from New York Daily News wrote, "Bollywood musicals, those big, loud, colorful extravaganzas from India, are an acquired taste and much of "Kal Ho Naa Ho" doesn't translate easily," though he further noted, "All three leads grow on you."
, with lyrics authored by Javed Akhtar
. The music went on to do well at the charts, and became one of the most successful music albums of the year. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy won their first Filmfare Best Music Director Award
for this soundtrack, as well as the National Film Award for Best Music Direction
.
Bollywood films of 2003
A list of films produced by the Bollywood film industry based in Mumbai in 2003:-Top grossing films:The top ten grossing films at the Indian box office in 2003.-2003:-External links:* at the Internet Movie Database...
Hindi film set in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. It stars Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan , often credited as Shah Rukh Khan, is an Indian film actor, as well as a film producer and television host. Often referred to as "the King of Bollywood", Khan has acted in over 70 Hindi films....
, Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu, Punjabi and English language films. After graduating with a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se in 1998 followed by a role in Soldier the same year...
, Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan is an Indian actor known for his work in Bollywood films. He is the son of the late former Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and actress Sharmila Tagore. He has two sisters: Saba Ali Khan and actress Soha Ali Khan....
and Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan is an Indian actress and politician. She is an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. Bachchan is the wife of Amitabh Bachchan, and is the mother of Shweta Bachchan-Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan...
. The film was directed by first-timer Nikhil Advani
Nikhil Advani
-Early life and background:Advani was born in Mumbai. His father has a Pharmaceutical business and his mother is an advertising professional.He studied at Green Lawns High School, Breach Candy, and later did his Masters in chemistry at St...
, it was produced by Yash Johar
Yash Johar
Yash Johar was an Indian Bollywood film producer. He founded Dharma Productions in 1976 and made Hindi films that were noted for featuring lavish sets and exotic locations, but upheld Indian traditions and family values....
and co-written by Karan Johar
Karan Johar
Karan Johar is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and Television host. He is the son of Hiroo Johar and Yash Johar. He is one of the most successful filmmakers in Bollywood. He is most known for directing and producing some of Bollywood's highest grossing films in India and the...
, better known as the director of the hit films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a Hindi romantic comedy film, released in India and the United Kingdom on 16 October 1998. The film was written and directed by the debuting Karan Johar and stars the popular on-screen pair of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in their fourth movie together...
(1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001). The movie is also noted for its soundtrack, which was a huge commercial and critical success and earned the composers Shankar Ehsaan Loy the National Film Award for Best Music Direction
National Film Award for Best Music Direction
The National Film Award for Best Music Direction are given annually. In years 1994, 1995 and 2010, an award for Best Background Score was instituted by the Jury, which was won by Johnson and by Ilaiyaraaja . Ilaiyaraaja and A. R...
. The film was screened at the Valenciennes, Era New Horizons
Era New Horizons Film Festival
New Horizons Film Festival is an international film festival held annually in July in Wrocław, Poland. It has been organised since 2001.- Festival programme 2009 :* Opening gala – Michael Haneke's The White Ribbon...
, Marrakech International
International Film Festival of Marrakech
The International Film Festival of Marrakech is an international film festival held annually in Marrakech, Morocco.-Overview:Since its inaugural year in 2000, the FIFM has been one of the biggest events devoted to Moroccan cinema...
and Helsinki Film Festival
Helsinki Film Festival
The Helsinki International Film Festival - Love & Anarchy is a non-competitive film festival held since 1988 in Helsinki, Finland, yearly in September. The festival promotes the artistry of filmmaking, the inventive, visually stunning and controversial new films, revealing the promising talents of...
.
Unlike with many other Hindi
Hindi
Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
productions, the film's makers also complied with international copyright laws and obtained the license to use Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison
Roy Kelton Orbison was an American singer-songwriter, well known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Orbison grew up in Texas and began singing in a rockabilly/country & western band in high school until he was signed by Sun Records in Memphis...
's "Oh, Pretty Woman
Oh, Pretty Woman
"Oh, Pretty Woman" is a song, released in August 1964, which was a worldwide success for Roy Orbison. Recorded on the Monument Records label in Nashville, Tennessee, it was written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees. The song spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100...
" for an extended musical sequence taking place in the streets in New York.
Plot
Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity ZintaPreity Zinta
Preity Zinta is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu, Punjabi and English language films. After graduating with a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se in 1998 followed by a role in Soldier the same year...
) is an angry young woman, for more than one reason. Her father committed suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
when she needed him the most, leaving her mother Jennifer (Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan is an Indian actress and politician. She is an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. Bachchan is the wife of Amitabh Bachchan, and is the mother of Shweta Bachchan-Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan...
) to raise their two young children Shiv (Atith Naik) & Gia (Jhanak Shukla) all alone. The restaurant Jennifer operates is faltering. Furthermore, Naina's paternal grandmother, Lajjo (Sushma Seth
Sushma Seth
Sushma Seth is an Indian film, television, and stage actress. She started her career in the late 1970s, and has been known for playing the mother and the grandmother in movies and television. She is most known as the role of Dadi in pioneering TV soap Hum Log . She is also a theatre actor and...
), blames Jennifer for the suicide and refuses to accept Gia (Jhanak Shukla
Jhanak Shukla
Jhanak Shukla is an Indian child actress.She is the daughter of documentary filmmaker Haril Shukla and actress Supriya Shukla. Her greatest success till date is her character 'Gia Kapur' in the Bollywood movie Kal Ho Na Ho, alongside Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta, where she plays the adopted...
), a six-year-old girl whom Jennifer adopted, as her granddaughter, blaming her for bringing bad luck to the family. Naina has to put up with the daily fights that take place in the house as a result. The bright spots in her life are the toiling and tolerant Jennifer and Naina's bumbling MBA classmate Rohit (Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan is an Indian actor known for his work in Bollywood films. He is the son of the late former Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and actress Sharmila Tagore. He has two sisters: Saba Ali Khan and actress Soha Ali Khan....
).
Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan , often credited as Shah Rukh Khan, is an Indian film actor, as well as a film producer and television host. Often referred to as "the King of Bollywood", Khan has acted in over 70 Hindi films....
) arrives in Naina's neighbourhood and soon changes everything. Noticing the sadness of his new neighbours, he intervenes. His well-meaning interference in their activities, his revival of their financial condition, and his general optimism
Optimism
The Oxford English Dictionary defines optimism as having "hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favourable or hopeful view." The word is originally derived from the Latin optimum, meaning "best." Being optimistic, in the typical sense...
, soon change their lives for the better. Although Naina is initially reluctant to enjoy Aman's presence as others do and is irritated by his extroverted, overly-enthusiastic attitude, she grows to like him and eventually falls in love with him.
Meanwhile, her friend Rohit has been in love with her. On Aman's encouragement, he calls Naina for lunch but before he can confess to her, she reveals her love for Aman. Rohit informs Aman about this and leaves shortly for his parents' home. Naina goes to Aman's house where, to stop her from confessing her feelings to him, Aman tells her that he is married to a woman named Priya (Sonali Bendre
Sonali Bendre
Sonali Bendre is an Indian actress and model. She has mostly starred in Bollywood films but has acted in many Telugu films as well as a number of Marathi, Tamil and Kannada films. She was also one of the four judges in the fourth season of Indian Idol and India's Got Talent...
), who is actually his doctor.
Aman, it is revealed, is dying of a severe condition that is progressively weakening his heart. Knowing that his lifespan is limited, he goes through life facilitating friendships and courtship, and urging people to enjoy themselves in the present moment since "Tomorrow might never come". His excursions into such altruism
Altruism
Altruism is a concern for the welfare of others. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures, and a core aspect of various religious traditions, though the concept of 'others' toward whom concern should be directed can vary among cultures and religions. Altruism is the opposite of...
, eventually leads him to sacrifice his love for Naina and instead play matchmaker between her and Rohit. After a few weeks of courtship, Naina starts to like Rohit as more than just a friend. However, when she finds out that Aman has been helping Rohit to woo her, she gets very angry at them both. Eventually though, she accepts Rohit's proposal of marriage.
The tension within Naina's family also stops when Aman, after accidentally intercepting a personal letter addressed to Jennifer, reveals that Gia is Naina's half-sister through their father's extramarital affair. Jennifer's selfless acceptance of her husband's infidelity is what led to his suicide. Lajjo finally accepts Gia, and the now-united family wholeheartedly prepare for Rohit and Naina's wedding.
As the film progresses, Aman's health deteriorates. At the engagement party of Rohit and Naina, an episode of intense excitement nearly kills him. Naina, in a chance-encounter, meets Priya, Aman's supposed wife, and learns the truth of Priya being Aman's doctor. She then realises that Aman had lied about his marriage to hide his true condition, and possibly, the fact that he loves her too. She goes to see Aman, and although he defiantly refuses to admit his true feelings, she finally understands that he loves her as well. Aman convinces Naina to get married to Rohit anyway, because he knew he won't live much longer. She accepts, and shortly after Rohit and Naina marry. Aman eventually dies of his weakness, with both of them by his side.
Twenty years later, an older Naina relates the story of Aman's selfless love to a grown Gia. And, it is seen that she and Rohit now have a daughter of their own.
Cast
- Jaya BachchanJaya BachchanJaya Bhaduri Bachchan is an Indian actress and politician. She is an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. Bachchan is the wife of Amitabh Bachchan, and is the mother of Shweta Bachchan-Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan...
as Jennifer Kapur - Shahrukh KhanShahrukh KhanShahrukh Khan , often credited as Shah Rukh Khan, is an Indian film actor, as well as a film producer and television host. Often referred to as "the King of Bollywood", Khan has acted in over 70 Hindi films....
as Aman Mathur - Saif Ali KhanSaif Ali KhanSaif Ali Khan is an Indian actor known for his work in Bollywood films. He is the son of the late former Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and actress Sharmila Tagore. He has two sisters: Saba Ali Khan and actress Soha Ali Khan....
as Rohit Patel - Preity ZintaPreity ZintaPreity Zinta is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu, Punjabi and English language films. After graduating with a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se in 1998 followed by a role in Soldier the same year...
as Naina Catherine Kapur - Sushma SethSushma SethSushma Seth is an Indian film, television, and stage actress. She started her career in the late 1970s, and has been known for playing the mother and the grandmother in movies and television. She is most known as the role of Dadi in pioneering TV soap Hum Log . She is also a theatre actor and...
as Lajjo Kapur - Reema LagooReema LagooReema Lagoo is an Indian actress who has appeared in numerous Marathi as well as Hindi films and television shows. She also has had a presence on Marathi stage for nearly four decades.- Career :...
as Aman's Mother - Lilette Dubey as Jaswinder "Jazz" Kapoor
- Delnaaz PaulDelnaaz PaulDelnaaz Paul is an Indian actress of Irani origin born on September 4. She has acted in both Bollywood movies and Hindi television serials. She has also acted in over twenty-five plays.- Career :...
as Jasprit "Sweetu" Kapoor - Athit Naik as Shiv Kapur
- Jhanak ShuklaJhanak ShuklaJhanak Shukla is an Indian child actress.She is the daughter of documentary filmmaker Haril Shukla and actress Supriya Shukla. Her greatest success till date is her character 'Gia Kapur' in the Bollywood movie Kal Ho Na Ho, alongside Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta, where she plays the adopted...
as Gia Kapur - Dara SinghDara SinghDara Singh Randhawa is a wrestler and Indian film actor. He was born in a Jat Sikh family of Punjabi background.He was a wrestler before he started acting in Hindi films in 1962....
as Chaddha uncle - Shoma AnandShoma AnandShoma Anand is an Indian television and film actress. Although she has played frequently supporting roles or made cameo appearances throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she had a few films in which she was the lead, such as Jagir and Coolie in the 80s...
as Kammo Kapur - Sonali BendreSonali BendreSonali Bendre is an Indian actress and model. She has mostly starred in Bollywood films but has acted in many Telugu films as well as a number of Marathi, Tamil and Kannada films. She was also one of the four judges in the fourth season of Indian Idol and India's Got Talent...
as Priya, Aman's doctor
- Ketaki Dave as Rohit's mother
- Satish ShahSatish ShahSatish Ravilal Shah is a Hindi and Marathi film and television actor best known for his comedy films. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the ever popular 80's sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi directed by Kundan Shah and Manjul Sinha. He is famous for playing the role of Municipal Commissioner...
as Rohit's father - Kamini Khanna as Vimmo Kapur
- Sulbha Arya as Kanta Ben
- Simone SinghSimone SinghSimone Singh, in Jamshedpur to a Sikh father and Bengali mother, is an Indian actress.She made her acting debut with the television series Sea Hawks followed by a small role in Swabhimaan, in 1995...
as Camilla - Rajpal YadavRajpal YadavRajpal Yadav is an Indian film actor, known for his comedy oriented roles.-Early life and education:Rajpal Yadav was born and brought up in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he received his education.He did his college from Sardar Patel Hindu Inter College, Shahjahanpur.He played in Shahjahanpur...
as Guru - Anaita Shroff AdajaniaAnaita Shroff AdajaniaAnaita Shroff Adajania is a fashion stylist and costume designer. She is the Fashion Director for Vogue magazine. The owner of the Style Cell company, Adajania has been noted for her design work on several Bollywood films including Dhoom 2, Being Cyrus, Everybody Says I'm Fine!, and Love Aaj...
as Gita - Steve WestSteve WestSteve West may refer to:*Steve West , drummer for the band Pavement and, now, the band Marble Valley*Steve West , drummer of the band Danger Danger*Steve West , English darts player...
as Mike - Sanjay KapoorSanjay KapoorSanjay Kapoor is a Bollywood actor and producer.Son of film producer, Surinder Kapoor, he is the younger brother of actor Anil Kapoor and producer Boney Kapoor and brother-in-law of actress Sridevi...
as Abhay, Priya's husband - Rani Mukherjee in a Special Appearance in "Maahi Ve"
- KajolKajolKajol Devgn , better known as Kajol, is an Indian film actress appearing in Hindi films. She is regarded as one of India's most successful and talented female actors....
in a Special Appearance in "Maahi Ve" - Uday ChopraUday ChopraUday Chopra is a Bollywood actor, producer, and assistant director.He is the son of Yash Chopra and brother of Aditya Chopra, and worked as assistant director on a number of his father's and brother's movies under the Yash Raj Films banner. In 1994 Chopra produced Yeh Dillagi starring Akshay...
in a Special Appearance as Day 6 announcer
Production
Karan Johar
Karan Johar is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and Television host. He is the son of Hiroo Johar and Yash Johar. He is one of the most successful filmmakers in Bollywood. He is most known for directing and producing some of Bollywood's highest grossing films in India and the...
with dialogue from Niranjan Iyengar
Niranjan Iyengar
Niranjan Iyengar, born in Anand, India, is a screenwriter and lyricist particularly known for his work with director Karan Johar. He is also author of the book, The Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.-Selected filmography:...
and directed by his former assistant director Nikhil Advani
Nikhil Advani
-Early life and background:Advani was born in Mumbai. His father has a Pharmaceutical business and his mother is an advertising professional.He studied at Green Lawns High School, Breach Candy, and later did his Masters in chemistry at St...
. It was the last film to be produced by Yash Johar
Yash Johar
Yash Johar was an Indian Bollywood film producer. He founded Dharma Productions in 1976 and made Hindi films that were noted for featuring lavish sets and exotic locations, but upheld Indian traditions and family values....
before his death. The choreography was by Farah Khan
Farah Khan
Farah Khan is an Indian film director and choreographer. She is best known for her choreographical work in numerous Bollywood films. Khan has choreographed dance routines for more than a hundred songs in over 80 Hindi films. Khan has since become a noted Hindi film director as well...
. Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra is considered to be India's leading and most successful fashion designer.Manish Malhotra has designed for many leading actresses in Bollywood. He is known for his different style and his ability to envision a 'look' for the character. He is known for designing the costumes for...
designed the costumes of the three lead actors.
Pre-production of the film began in 2003. Kareena Kapoor
Kareena Kapoor
Kareena Kapoor , often informally referred to as Bebo, is an Indian actress who appears in Bollywood films. During her career, Kapoor has received six Filmfare Awards, among nine nominations, and has been noted for her performances in a range of film genres; these include her work from contemporary...
was initially the first choice for Naina, but due to money issues she refused the role. Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu, Punjabi and English language films. After graduating with a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se in 1998 followed by a role in Soldier the same year...
was the immediate next choice, and according to the director of the film, Nikhil Advani, "Somewhere at the back of my mind she [Zinta] was always Naina Catherine Kapur. She understands that lifestyle. She didn't have to do anything."
Shooting began in 2003 in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. A major portion of the movie was also shot in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
due to production costs in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Release
The film was released in India on 28 November 2003.It was the second Bollywood film to attain wide release in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
in early 2005 (the first was Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... is a Bollywood film released in India and countries with large NRI populations on 14 December 2001....
). Since the film's release, Bollywood movies have become increasingly popular in Germany, and other Indian films have also been shown on prime time
Prime time
Prime time or primetime is the block of broadcast programming during the middle of the evening for television programing.The term prime time is often defined in terms of a fixed time period—for example, from 19:00 to 22:00 or 20:00 to 23:00 Prime time or primetime is the block of broadcast...
television and have sold well on DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
. The movie was released in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
in May 2006 as Gdyby jutra nie bylo (If Tomorrow Never Comes), and in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
in 2005 as New-York Masala.
Critical reception
Kal Ho Naa Ho was well received by critics. Critic Taran AdarshTaran Adarsh
Taran Adarsh is an Indian film critic, journalist, editor and film trade analyst. He is also a former producer and screenwriter. He is the son of film director and producer, B.K. Adarsh....
gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and said: "Yes, Kal Ho Naa Ho does live up to the expectations. Yes, the SRK-Karan Johar magic does cast a spell the third time around. The film works, courtesy SRK's incredible performance and Karan's deft writing. On the whole, Kal Ho Naa Ho has all it takes to emerge victorious. Keeping in mind its merits and the opening that the film has generated, Kal Ho Naa Ho should emerge a winner, setting new records in days to come!" Archana Vohra from NDTV
NDTV
NDTV is an Indian commercial broadcasting television network founded in 1988. It was founded by Prannoy Roy, an eminent journalist and current chairman and director of NDTV Group. NDTV currently has more than 1,000 employees producing news from over twenty locations in India...
gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, stating, "Advani ... seems to have come up with an innovative way to present a done to death plot," later adding that "irrespective of the frills, fancy clothes and well-dressed stars, the film does strike a chord and is a brilliant debut by Nikhil Advani." Rediff.com
Rediff.com
Rediff.com India is a news, information, entertainment, and shopping portal. It was founded in 1996 as "Rediff On The NeT" and is headquartered in Mumbai, India with offices in New Delhi and New York City, USA....
rated it as worth watching! and stated: "The film is fresh in treatment and storytelling. Shah Rukh excels as the supercool Aman. You understand why it is difficult for Karan to work with any other actor, because SRK steals the show with a designer-made role. Given SRK's performance, it is all the more important to take note of Saif, whose Rohit Patel will be remembered just as much as his Sameer in Dil Chahta Hai. Saif is first-rate, and your heart goes out to this under-rated actor. Preity Zinta slips into character beautifully. Right from the preppy spectacles to her no-nonsense demeanor, Preity captures the spirit of Naina Kapur. She has never looked so pretty. Kal Ho Naa Ho will carry you with its exuberance." In a positive review, Dave Kehr
Dave Kehr
Dave Kehr is an American film critic. A critic at the Chicago Reader and the Chicago Tribune for many years, he writes a weekly column for The New York Times on DVD releases, in addition to contributing occasional pieces on individual films or filmmakers.-Early life and education:Dave Kehr did...
from The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
concluded, "This is a rich meal that may best be reserved for stomachs accustomed to such bountiful fare."
Komal Nahta
Komal Nahta
Komal Nahta is the editor and publisher of "Film Information", India's largest film trade journal. He is also an anchor of the Trade show ETC Bollywood Business on the Bollywood TV channels ETC and Zee Cinema. Well known for his harsh criticism of Movies....
from Outlook
Outlook (magazine)
Outlook is one of India's four top-selling English weekly newsmagazines. Like many other Indian magazines, it is reluctant to reveal its circulation, but the 2007 National Readership Survey suggested 1.5 million copies...
, in a three-star review, remarked, "[writer] Johar has packaged the drama so very contemporarily that the final product holds its own. Undoubtedly, [the film] is one of the cleverest love triangles in Hindi cinema." Ziya Us Salam wrote for The Hindu
The Hindu
The Hindu is an Indian English-language daily newspaper founded and continuously published in Chennai since 1878. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it has a circulation of 1.46 million copies as of December 2009. The enterprise employed over 1,600 workers and gross income reached $40...
, "Watch Kal Ho Naa Ho. It is like life. It gives you reason to be disappointed, just as it gives you reason to hope."
The film also received some mixed reviews, Ram Kamal Mukherjee
Ram Kamal Mukherjee
Ram Kamal Mukherjee is an Indian journalist, film critic and historian, and author. He is best known for his coffee-table book on actress Hema Malini, Diva Unveiled-Hema Malini , the first biographical work about her...
from Stardust
Stardust (magazine)
Stardust is an Indian monthly Bollywood news and gossip magazine published in English and Hindi. It also sponsors the Stardust Awards.-History:...
praised the film's performances, technical aspects and its entertainment value, but noted several flaws in its "logistic part". Rama Sharma from The Tribune
The Tribune
The Tribune is an Indian English-language daily newspaper published from Chandigarh, New Delhi, Jalandhar, Dehradun and Bathinda. It was founded on 2 February 1881, in Lahore , by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising five eminent persons as...
concluded, "Kal Ho Na Ho is a usual filmi love web with a cosmopolitan appeal and a lot of comedy packed in the first half." Jami Bernard
Jami Bernard
Jami Bernard is an author and media consultant, an award-winning film critic for The New York Post and The New York Daily News, and the founder of Barncat Publishing . She has appeared in documentaries as herself, including the Independent Film Channel's Indie Sex series , on which she was a...
from New York Daily News wrote, "Bollywood musicals, those big, loud, colorful extravaganzas from India, are an acquired taste and much of "Kal Ho Naa Ho" doesn't translate easily," though he further noted, "All three leads grow on you."
Box office
Kal Ho Naa Ho was the second top-grossing movie of the year. It had a total net gross of 35 crores in India alone, and was declared a hit. It also made an additional Rs 12 crores in the USA and 9 crores in the UK collecting a total of 27 crores and thus becoming the top-grossing Bollywood film in the overseas market that year. The film made a total of 77 crores worldwide. when adjusted for inflation its total gross worldwide is 130 crores.Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the film was released on 27 September 2003 in various formats. The music is conducted by award-winning trio Shankar-Ehsaan-LoyShankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy are an Indian musical trio consisting of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa. Record producers, musicians and multi-instrumentalists, they have composed music for over fifty soundtrack across four languages...
, with lyrics authored by Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar is a poet, lyricist and scriptwriter from India. Some of his most successful work was done in the late 1970s and 1980s with Salim Khan as half of the script-writing duo credited as Salim-Javed...
. The music went on to do well at the charts, and became one of the most successful music albums of the year. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy won their first Filmfare Best Music Director Award
Filmfare Best Music Director Award
The Filmfare Best Music Director Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to the best composer/arranger of a soundtrack. This category was first presented in 1954. Naushad was the first recipient of this award for his song "Tu Ganga Ki Mauj"...
for this soundtrack, as well as the National Film Award for Best Music Direction
National Film Award for Best Music Direction
The National Film Award for Best Music Direction are given annually. In years 1994, 1995 and 2010, an award for Best Background Score was instituted by the Jury, which was won by Johnson and by Ilaiyaraaja . Ilaiyaraaja and A. R...
.
Awards
Kal Ho Naa Ho received many awards and nominations. The awards it won are highlighted in bold:IIFA Awards
Zee Cine Awards
|
National Film Awards
Filmfare Awards
Star Screen Awards
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See also
- List of movies set in New York City
- List of highest-grossing Bollywood films