Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, known for directing Kal Ho Naa Ho, D-Day, Salaam-E-Ishq, Patiala House and producing successful projects like Satyameva Jayate, Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, and Vedaa, once had a fallout with Karan Johar. Before turning producer under his banner Emmay Entertainment, Nikkhil Advani was an integral part of Dharma Productions which was originally founded by Yash Johar and is now run by Karan Johar. He worked closely with Karan on films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…(2001), and later got the opportunity to direct Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).
However, rumours back then circulated that Kal Ho Naa Ho was either secretly directed by Karan or that Nikkhil had ghost-directed all three films. These speculations led to a misunderstanding between them, causing a long period of silence and distance.
Nikkhil Advani on the Feud with Karan Johar: “We Were Emotional and Childish”
In an exclusive interview with Lehren Retro, Nikkhil Advani admitted that Karan Johar rightfully deserves credit for Kal Ho Naa Ho. When asked then why they stopped talking despite their strong bond, he explained how outside rumours created an unnecessary rift between them. “Because humlog emotional log the (we were emotional people), we were so close to each other. We didn’t talk, and it just became about ‘he said, who said!’” he revealed. Over time, both realized how trivial the issue was. Nikkhil now acknowledges that they were listening to the wrong people. “It was a silly thing, we were childish. We were listening to people we should never have listened to.”
Rebuilding the Bond
Now, Nikkhil Advani and Karan Johar have put the past behind them. Karan is often the first person to watch Nikkhil’s films and provides his feedback. Reflecting on his departure from Dharma Productions, Nikkhil shared his regret over leaving while Yash Johar was unwell. To unveil in detail watch the full interview below:
Despite the feud, Kal Ho Naa Ho became a massive success and remains a timeless classic. The 2003 film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, continues to be cherished by fans worldwide.
