In a recent interview, director, Nikkhil Advani shared how Shah Rukh Khan became part of the film. He revealed that the actor did not even read the entire script of 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'.
Shah Rukh Khan is the most loved actor of B-Town and has charmed generations with his chivalry and romance both on and off screen. In a recent interview, Kal Ho Naa Ho director, Nikkhil Advani disclosed how Shah Rukh Khan became 'Aman'.
Nikkhil Advani who made his directorial debut with Kal Ho Naa Ho, revealed that the Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge star, read the first page of the script and took a quick look over the rest and agreed to do the film. Nikkhil added that SRK had complete faith in Karan Johar’s writing and Advani’s direction.
Even though Kal Ho Naa Ho was Nikkil’s directorial debut the Jawan actor, had absolute faith in him. Nikkhil in an interview with, Cyrus Says revealed that Shah Rukh Khan even went to Yash Chopra and said he would do the film with Dharma on the condition that Nikkhil directs it. The directed quoted:
“Shah Rukh went to Yash Johar and said, 'I will do another film with Dharma Productions only if Nikkhil directs it.’”
Click here to watch the full interview.
Before Kal Ho Naa Ho, Advani was an assistant director and worked with SRK on the sets of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham. The two got close and became good friends. Advani shared that it was Shah Rukh Khan’s trust in him that helped him start his directing career with such a big project. He recalled the contribution King Khan made to his career and even shared how eager the Devdas star was to explore other genres apart from romance. Advani shared:
"I owe Shah Rukh a lot — I owe him my entire career as a director."
Despite it being Nikhil’s first project, Shah Rukh Khan didn’t step back and gave the director complete creative freedom. Even though Karan Johar wrote the plot he gave Nikhil the project to direct, SRK had complete faith in their vision and agreed to do the film without even reading the entire script of Kal Ho Naa Ho. Recounting the day Advani disclosed that Shah Rukh only read the first page, and tossed through the rest. He said:
"Shah Rukh read the first page, glanced over the interval point, and then skipped to the last page. He didn't read the entire script. He simply said, 'I know Karan has written it, and you're directing it, so I'm in good hands.'"
Kal Ho Naa Ho is still one of the most loved Indian films, the movie remains an iconic creative piece and Badshah’s portrayal of ‘Aman’ is carved in our memories. The movie had us blushing, giggling and weeping and was a massive box office hit and continues to be a fan favourite.
What are your thoughts on Nikkhil Advani’s revelation and did he do justice to Shah Rukh Khan’s trust in him? Let us know.
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