Bollywood film ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan is celebrating its 19th anniversary. On this occasion, the film's producer Karan Johar, took to his Instagram to reminisce about the film as he shared throwback pictures from the film's sets.
Taking to his Instagram, Karan shared the pictures as he wrote in the caption: "An entire lifetime of memories, in a heartbeat! This film gave so much more than just that - it gave me joy, unbreakable bonds, a different lens for story telling and of course - the last film set I could be on with my father. And for that, I will forever be grateful to this film! #19YearsOfKalHoNaaHo"
Interestingly, Preity Zinta was not the first choice for the role of Naina. Karan in fact, went with the film to Kareena Kapoor Khan, who had then just delivered a massive flop with 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge' which was directed by Kunal Kohli, who had earlier worked with current Yash Raj Films head honcho, Aditya Chopra.
As per Karan's book 'An Unsuitable Boy', Karan had specifically asked his father Yash Johar to stay out of the negotiation room so he could convince Kareena at a cost effective budget. The discussion around money ended in a deadlock and Karan, hurt by Kareena's demands, offered the film to Preity Zinta.
The film also marked the debut of Nikkhil Advani, who started off as Karan Johar's assistant on 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. Nikkhil has since then delivered movies such as 'D-Day' and 'Patiala House' as a director and produced films like 'Airlift' and 'Satyameva Jayate' and the OTT series 'Mumbai Diaries'.