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{{short description|2006 film | {{short description|2006 film by Karan Johar}} | ||
{{ | {{use Indian English|date=May 2014}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}} | ||
{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| image = Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.jpg | | image = Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.jpg | ||
| alt = Theatrical release poster featuring [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]], and [[Preity Zinta]] against a blue-toned background with the film title and tagline. | |||
| caption = Theatrical release poster | | caption = Theatrical release poster | ||
| director = [[Karan Johar]] | | director = [[Karan Johar]] | ||
| producer = Hiroo Yash Johar | | producer = Hiroo Yash Johar | ||
| | | screenplay = Karan Johar<br/>[[Shibani Bathija]] {{infobox | decat=yes | child=yes | ||
| label1=Dialogues by | data1=[[Niranjan Iyengar]] | |||
}} | |||
| story = Karan Johar | | story = Karan Johar | ||
| starring = {{Plainlist| | | starring = {{Plainlist| | ||
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]] | * [[Amitabh Bachchan]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Shah Rukh Khan]] | ||
* [[Abhishek Bachchan]] | * [[Abhishek Bachchan]] | ||
* [[Rani | * [[Rani Mukerji]] | ||
* [[Preity Zinta]] | * [[Preity Zinta]] | ||
* [[Kirron Kher]] | * [[Kirron Kher]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| music = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] | | music = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] | ||
| cinematography = [[Anil Mehta]] | | cinematography = [[Anil Mehta]] | ||
| editing = Sanjay Sankla | | editing = Sanjay Sankla | ||
| studio = [[Dharma Productions]] | | studio = [[Dharma Productions]] | ||
| distributor = | | distributor = [[Yash Raj Films]] | ||
| released = {{Film date|2006|08|11|df=y}} | | released = {{Film date|2006|08|11|df=y}} | ||
| runtime = 192 minutes<ref>{{cite web|title=''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' (12A)|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-1970-1|work=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref> | | runtime = 192 minutes<ref>{{cite web |title=''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' (12A) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-1970-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208233131/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-1970-1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 December 2015 |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
| country = India | | country = [[India]] | ||
| language = Hindi | | language = Hindi | ||
| budget = {{ | | budget = {{INRConvert|50|c|year=2006}}<ref>{{cite web |title=A Rs 150 cr question |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/a-rs150cr-question/148355/0 |newspaper=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |date=12 February 2006 |access-date=26 December 2010}}</ref> | ||
| gross = {{ | | gross = {{INRConvert|113|c|year=2006}}<ref name="BOI gross">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=364 |title=Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna |website=Box Office India}}</ref><ref name="Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" /> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna''''' ({{translation| | '''''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna''''' ({{translation|Never Say Goodbye}}), also abbreviated as '''''KANK''''', is a 2006 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Musical film|musical]] [[Romance film#Romantic drama|romantic drama]] film written and directed by [[Karan Johar]], based on script contributions by [[Shibani Bathija]] and [[Niranjan Iyengar]], and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar in her debut under the [[Dharma Productions]] banner. The film features an [[Ensemble cast|ensemble cast]] of [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]], [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Preity Zinta]] and [[Kirron Kher]]. Set primarily in [[New York City]], the narrative explores themes of [[Infidelity|marital infidelity]], emotional dissatisfaction, and dysfunctional relationships, and was promoted with the tagline "A Love... That Broke All Relationships."<ref>{{cite web |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/509037 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213020958/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/509037 |archive-date=13 December 2014 |access-date=20 January 2015 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> The film marked a notable departure from Johar's earlier family-centric dramas, opting for a more mature and controversial storyline. | ||
The film follows Dev and Maya, two individuals in unhappy marriages who form a deep emotional connection that develops into an [[Affair#Extramarital affair|extramarital affair]], challenging conventional ideas of love and commitment. [[Principal photography]] took place over a 90-day schedule across various locations in the [[United States]], with cinematography by [[Anil Mehta]]. The film's soundtrack was composed by [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], with lyrics by [[Javed Akhtar]]. | |||
Released theatrically in India on 11 August 2006, the film received mixed-to-positive reviews. While its portrayal of infidelity drew criticism, the performances, cinematography, dialogues, costume design, and music were widely praised. The film emerged as the [[List of Hindi films of 2006|fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2006]] in India and, at the time, the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films in overseas markets#Highest-grossing films by year|highest-grossing Indian film in overseas markets]], grossing ₹1.13 billion (US$37 million) worldwide.<ref name="Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna">{{cite news |last1=Bamzai |first1=Kaveree |date=30 October 2006 |title=Bollywood hits overseas box office in 2006 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/20061030-bollywood-hits-overseas-box-office-in-2006-784334-2006-10-30 |access-date=30 January 2012 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref><ref name="currency">{{cite web |year=2006 |title=Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average) |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/PA.NUS.FCRF?end=2007&locations=IN&start=2006 |access-date=15 January 2019 |website=[[World Bank]]}}</ref> The film was released in over 1,200 cinemas across more than 20 countries—one of the widest international releases for a Hindi film at the time—and was screened at the [[2006 Toronto International Film Festival|31st Toronto International Film Festival]] and the 19th [[Tokyo International Film Festival]].<ref name="sify.com" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=rediff.com: KANK goes to Toronto |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/11sld1.htm |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=m.rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-09-21 |title=KANK chosen for Tokyo film festival |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/kank-chosen-for-tokyo-film-festival/story-6QpRTvIfP3fxBUIUJwWBJL.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929203253/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/kank-chosen-for-tokyo-film-festival/story-6QpRTvIfP3fxBUIUJwWBJL.html |archive-date=29 September 2023 |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The film received [[List of accolades received by Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna|multiple accolades]] and led the [[52nd Filmfare Awards]] with 23 nominations, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]] (Johar), [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (Khan), [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] (Mukerji) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] (Zinta), winning [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] for Abhishek Bachchan. Marking his third consecutive award in the category, he became the only actor after [[Dilip Kumar]] to [[Hat-trick|hattrick]] at the [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref name=":3">{{cite web |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=24 February 2007 |title=52nd FairOne Filmfare Awards 2006 winners |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/24/2298/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306034628/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/24/2298/index.html |archive-date=6 March 2007 |access-date=12 July 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> | |||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
Dev Saran, a professional [[Association football|soccer]] player in [[New York City]], lives with his wife Rhea, son Arjun, and widowed mother, Kamaljit ("Kamal"). Maya, a [[Teacher|schoolteacher]] and [[orphan]], is preparing to marry her closest friend, Rishi Talwar, who was raised by his wealthy and flamboyant father, Samarjit ("Sam"). On the day of her wedding, Maya meets Dev by chance. Though strangers, they form an immediate emotional connection. As he leaves, Dev is hit by a car, which ends his athletic career. | |||
Four years later, Dev | Four years later, Dev is embittered by his lost career and insecure about Rhea's growing success as a [[Fashion journalism|fashion magazine]] [[Editor-in-chief|editor]]. He works as a junior soccer coach but struggles to bond with Arjun, who would rather play the [[violin]]. Maya feels emotionally disconnected from Rishi and struggles with her [[infertility]]. After Sam and Kamal befriend each other, Dev and Maya reconnect and develop a friendship based on shared marital frustrations. As Rhea and Rishi begin working together, Dev and Maya grow closer and (hilariously) attempt to repair their marriages, but without success. Their relationship intensifies. | ||
After the couple's [[anniversary]] dinners, things come to a head. Rhea reveals she was offered a promotion in [[London]] and Dev, assuming she accepted it, accuses her of being self-centered and showing off. Hurt, Rhea reveals she turned it down for the sake of their family and confronts Dev over his resentment and detachment. Meanwhile, Rishi expresses frustration with Maya's emotional distance and her inability to have children. | |||
Dev and Maya begin an affair but | Dev and Maya meet at a [[train station]] and confess their love. They begin an [[affair]] but struggle with guilt as their spouses try to save their marriages. Their secret is exposed when Sam and Kamal discover them in an embrace. That night, Sam suffers a fatal [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]]. On his deathbed, he urges Maya to leave Rishi so they can both pursue happiness. After Sam's death, Dev and Maya end their affair and confess to their spouses. Rhea and Rishi divorce them. Kamal remains with Rhea and Arjun. Dev and Maya part ways, each pretending to have moved on. Maya relocates to [[Philadelphia]], and both remain alone. | ||
Three years later, | Three years later, Rishi visits Maya, revealing that he has forgiven her and is remarrying. At his wedding, Maya encounters Rhea (who is also friends with Rishi's second wife), who is now dating her boss, Jai. Rhea and Rishi encourage Maya to find Dev. Learning he is leaving for [[Toronto]], she rushes to the train station. Dev sees her but avoids contact, believing she is still with Rishi. As the train departs, however, he notices Maya's tears, pulls the [[Emergency brake (train)|emergency brake]], and they reconcile. In a closing [[Voice-over|voiceover]], Dev reflects that although he and Maya found happiness together, they continue to carry the guilt of the pain they caused along the way. | ||
== Cast == | == Cast == | ||
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Samarjit "Sam" Talwar – Rishi's father and Maya's father-in-law. | |||
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Samarjit "Sam" Talwar | *[[Shah Rukh Khan]] as Dev Saran – Rhea's husband, Arjun's father, and Kamaljit's son. | ||
*[[Shah Rukh | *[[Abhishek Bachchan]] as Rishi Talwar – Maya's husband and Samarjit's son | ||
*[[Abhishek Bachchan]] as Rishi Talwar | *[[Rani Mukerji]] as Maya Talwar – Rishi's wife and Samarjit's daughter-in-law. | ||
*[[Rani Mukerji | *[[Preity Zinta]] as Rhea Saran – Dev's wife, Arjun's mother, and Kamaljit's daughter-in-law. | ||
*[[Preity Zinta]] as Rhea Saran | *[[Kirron Kher]] as Kamaljit "Kamal" Saran – Dev's mother, Rhea's mother-in-law, and Arjun's grandmother. | ||
*[[Kirron Kher]] as Kamaljit "Kamal" Saran, Dev's | *[[Ahsaas Channa]] as Arjun Saran – Dev and Rhea's son and Kamaljit's grandson. | ||
*[[Arjun Rampal]] as Jai Mehra – Rhea's boss. | |||
*[[Saira Mohan]] as Catherine Talwar – Rishi's colleague and second wife, and Rhea and Jai's friend. | |||
=== | === Cameo appearances === | ||
*[[Kajol]] in a special appearance in the song "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye". | |||
*[[Kajol]] in | *[[John Abraham]] as a DJ in the song "Where’s The Party Tonight?". | ||
*[[ | *[[Karan Johar]] as a train passenger in the final sequence. | ||
*[[Karan Johar]] as a train passenger in | *[[Ayan Mukerji]] as a train passenger in the song "Tumhi Dekho Naa". | ||
*[[Ayan Mukerji | *[[Tarun Mansukhani]] (uncredited) as Rishi's colleague. | ||
== Production == | == Production == | ||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' | === Development === | ||
Initially titled ''Kalank'', the film was eventually renamed after the lyric ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' from the [[Kishore Kumar]] song “Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna” featured in the 1976 film [[Chalte Chalte (1976 film)|''Chalte Chalte'']]. This title was also initially considered for [[Karan Johar]]'s 2003 film ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'', which he wrote and was briefly supposed to direct but instead marked the directorial debut of [[Nikkhil Advani|Nikhil Advani]]. <ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Fun facts about 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' |url=https://www.mid-day.com/web-stories/fun-facts-about-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-1051 |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Mid-day}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2010 |title=Bollywood titles: Now a song, now a film |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/city-times/bollywood-titles-now-a-song-now-a-film |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=[[Khaleej Times]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref> The title ''Kalank'' was eventually retained by Johar for a [[Kalank|2019 film of the same name]] he produced alongside [[Sajid Nadiadwala]] and [[Star Studio18|Fox Star Studios]], which was directed by [[Abhishek Varman]] and was envisioned by him in 2004. | |||
The film was written and directed by Johar on the basis of his original story and a screenplay he developed alongside writer [[Shibani Bathija]], who later provided the story for ''Kalank''. The dialogues were penned by [[Niranjan Iyengar]].<ref name="SRKANK">{{Cite web |date=11 August 2021 |title=15 years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: How a real-life divorce gave Karan Johar the idea for his 'extremely special' film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/15-years-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-how-karan-johar-got-the-idea-for-his-extremely-special-film-7448627/lite/ |access-date=12 December 2021 |website=Indian Express}}</ref> | |||
[[ | Johar drew inspiration from real-life experiences and cinematic influences. He cited witnessing a married couple part amicably at a [[London]] café, his own emotional setbacks, and the [[Richard Linklater]] film ''[[Before Sunset]]'' (2004) as key triggers that shaped the story's emotional depth and unconventional premise.<ref name="SRKANK" /> | ||
The project was produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, marking her debut as a producer under the [[Dharma Productions]] banner. Long-time collaborators [[Farah Khan]] (choreography), [[Manish Malhotra]] (costume design), and [[Sharmishta Roy]] (production design) returned to shape the film's visual aesthetic, continuing their creative association with Johar. [[MAC Cosmetics]] contributed significantly to the styling and makeup for the principal cast.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2021 |title=Title track had 18 changes for Rani: Manish Malhotra recalls designing for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/fashion/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-15-years-manish-malhotra-karan-johar-shah-rukh-khan-rani-mukerji-preity-zinta-abhishek-bachchan-7450404/lite/ |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=Indian Express}}</ref> | |||
Continuing a trend seen in Johar's previous works—''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' (1998), ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001) and ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003)—the film featured a four-word title beginning with the letter “K.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=5 February 2022 |title=The K. Jo Effect |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-k-jo-effect/222411/amp |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=Outlook India}}</ref> | |||
The film | === Casting === | ||
{{Multiple image | |||
| align = right | |||
| direction = horizontal | |||
| footer = The film starred [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Preity Zinta]], and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] in lead roles. | |||
| width1 = 140 | |||
| image1 = Shah Rukh Khan promotes ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ in Delhi.jpg | |||
| width2 = 140 | |||
| image2 = Rani Mukerji 2014.jpg | |||
| width3 = 140 | |||
| image3 = Zinta at Badlapur success party.jpg | |||
| width4 = 152 | |||
| image4 = Abhi 2014.jpg | |||
| alt1 = [[Shah Rukh Khan]] posing indoors in a mesh-detailed black jacket over a grey shirt. | |||
| alt2 = [[Rani Mukerji]] wearing a white and gold saree with gold earrings, posing at a media event. | |||
| alt3 = [[Preity Zinta]] in a white tank top with black accents, standing in front of a movie poster backdrop. | |||
| alt4 = [[Abhishek Bachchan]] smiling in a black suit with an open-collared white shirt and layered necklaces at a public event. | |||
}} | |||
Director [[Karan Johar]] initially intended to cast [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Kajol]], [[Rani Mukerji]], and [[Ajay Devgn]] in the principal roles of Dev, Maya, Rhea, and Rishi, respectively.<ref name="SRKANK" /> However, both Devgn and [[Saif Ali Khan]] declined the film due to their prior commitments to [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]'s [[Omkara (2006 film)|''Omkara'']] (2006), in which they played leading roles.<ref name=":5" /> Saif had previously collaborated with Johar on ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003) after [[Salman Khan]] declined the role of Rohit because he did not wish to "play second fiddle". Johar subsequently cast [[Abhishek Bachchan]] as Rishi after being impressed by his performance in ''[[Yuva]]'' (2004), marking Bachchan's first official collaboration with Dharma Productions after initially shooting for a cameo appearance in ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001) which was edited out of the film.<ref name="SRKANK" /> | |||
The role of Maya was initially offered to Kajol, which was intended to mark her return to cinema after a five-year hiatus following ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001). She declined the part due to creative disagreements and a prior commitment to [[Yash Raj Films]]' [[Fanaa (2006 film)|''Fanaa'']] (2006), which she found more compelling.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-07 |title=THROWBACK: When Kajol revealed why she rejected Rani Mukerji's role in Shah Rukh Khan's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna; 'I just didn't agree…' |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/throwback-when-kajol-revealed-why-she-rejected-rani-mukerjis-role-in-shah-rukh-khans-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-i-just-didnt-agree-1336575 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref> In an episode of [[List of Koffee with Karan episodes#Season 2 (2007)|''Koffee with Karan'']], Kajol also expressed discomfort with the film's treatment of extramarital relationships, stating, “Yes, there were some points I disagreed with. As a woman... I feel when you get married, you should want to work on it.”<ref name=":0" /> Despite turning down the role, she made a [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] appearance in the song “Rock 'N' Roll Soniye.” | |||
Following Kajol's departure, Mukerji—who was originally cast as Rhea—was recast in the role of Maya, which she later described as “a turning point” in her life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rani Mukerji says Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was a turning point in her life. Here's why |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/rani-mukerji-says-shah-rukh-khan-and-karan-johars-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-was-a-turning-point-in-her-life-heres-why-exclusive-2347871-2023-03-17 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=India Today|date=17 March 2023 }}</ref> [[Preity Zinta]]—who had previously collaborated with Johar on ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003) after [[Kareena Kapoor]] refused the role of Naina due to a salary dispute with Johar—was subsequently brought in to portray Rhea, describing the role as a deliberate shift from her typically vivacious screen image: “I play this cold woman,” she explained, “which wasn’t easy for a warm person like me to do.”<ref name="bubbly image">{{cite web |date=17 March 2006 |title=I'm sick of my bubbly image: Preity Zinta |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/i-m-sick-of-my-bubbly-image-preity-zinta-news-bollywood-kkfvpnghabj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820031203/http://www.sify.com/movies/i-m-sick-of-my-bubbly-image-preity-zinta-news-bollywood-kkfvpnghabj.html |archive-date=20 August 2012 |access-date=5 November 2007 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> [[Ameesha Patel]] was also considered for the role but declined due to scheduling conflicts.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
{{ | |||
| | [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Kirron Kher]] were cast as Samarjit ("Sam"), Rishi's father, and Kamaljit ("Kamal"), Dev's mother, respectively. [[Arjun Rampal]] was cast as Jai Mehra, Rhea's boss, replacing earlier considerations for [[John Abraham]]. Despite this, Abraham was later featured in a [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] as a DJ in the song “Where’s the Party Tonight?” Director [[Tarun Mansukhani]] also made a cameo appearance as one of Rishi's friends.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Aryan Khan's journey from being a child star to aspiring director: Here's all you need to know about Shah Rukh Khan's son |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/aryan-khans-journey-from-being-a-child-star-to-aspiring-director-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-shah-rukh-khans-son/articleshow/80478735.cms |access-date=23 October 2021 |work=The Times of India|date=3 October 2021 }}</ref> | ||
| | |||
| | The role of Dev and Rhea's young son, Arjun, was portrayed by [[Ahsaas Channa]], a female child actor known for convincingly playing young boys in earlier projects. The decision was considered unconventional, but her performance was well received.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUYh8YavveU |title=Ahsaas Channa on playing Shah Rukh Khan's son in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' #shorts #youtubeshorts |date=2024-12-26 |last=Bollywood Bubble |access-date=2025-04-15 |via=YouTube}}</ref> | ||
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| | [[Riteish Deshmukh]] and Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's son, filmed cameo appearances that were ultimately removed during editing. Additionally, both Johar and his assistant director [[Ayan Mukerji]] appeared briefly on screen—Johar in the film's final train sequence seated behind Shah Rukh Khan, and Mukerji in the “Tumhi Dekho Naa” montage, where he stepped in as an extra due to a shortage of background performers. He appears wearing a green sweater and carrying gift boxes.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2020-08-28 |title=Fashion Friday: When Rani Mukerji wore six sensuous chiffon sarees in Tumhi Dekho Naa |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/fashion/story/fashion-friday-when-rani-mukerji-wore-six-sensuous-chiffon-sarees-in-tumhi-dekho-naa-1716167-2020-08-28 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> | ||
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Notably, the principal cast—excluding [[Abhishek Bachchan]]—had previously worked together in [[Yash Chopra]]'s ''[[Veer-Zaara]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web |date=31 May 2023 |title=Amitabh Bachchan was nervous while shooting KANK, embarrassed Shah Rukh Khan questioned Karan Johar: 'What is this nonsense?' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-amitabh-bachchan-embarrassed-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-karan-johar-autobiography-8638403/lite/ |access-date=31 May 2023 |website=Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=31 May 2023 |title=Karan Johar reveals most actors were awkward on the sets of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/karan-johar-reveals-most-actors-were-awkward-on-the-sets-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/articleshow/100649531.cms |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=Times of India}}</ref> | |||
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| | === Filming === | ||
| | [[File:Union Station New Haven waiting area.gk.jpg|thumb|A major portion of the film was shot at the [[Union Station (New Haven)|Union Station]] in [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]].|alt=<nowiki>Interior of [[Union Station]] in [[New Haven|New Haven, Connecticut]], showing arched windows, hanging globe lights, digital departure boards, and passengers seated or walking through the concourse. </nowiki>]] | ||
| | Although ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' is set in [[New York City]], a significant portion of the film was shot in the [[United States]], primarily in [[Connecticut]]. Key scenes were filmed in [[East Hartford]] and [[New Haven]], including a [[Association football|soccer]] game sequence at [[Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field|Rentschler Field]], home to the [[UConn Huskies football|UConn Huskies football team]], with the stadium's "UConn" logo visible in several shots. Scenes intended to depict [[Grand Central Terminal]] were filmed at New Haven's [[Union Station (New Haven)|Union Station]] and [[Philadelphia]]’s [[30th Street Station]]. The film was primarily shot over 90 days in the United States, with additional scenes completed on four custom-built sets in [[Mumbai]]. During the U.S. shoot, [[Rani Mukerji]] reportedly suffered from a severe skin allergy due to extreme weather conditions.<ref>{{cite web |title=KANK launch |url=http://www3.dharma-production.com/KANK/launch.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126060438/http://www3.dharma-production.com/KANK/launch.html |archive-date=26 November 2007 |access-date=31 January 2008 |website=KANI: Official website of Dharma Productions}}</ref> | ||
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| | One of the most challenging sequences to film was the song “Tumhi Dekho Naa,” which was shot across several iconic locations in and around New York City. Each color-themed segment corresponded to a specific location: blue at [[Columbia University]], yellow at [[Wall Street]], orange at [[Bear Mountain State Park]], pink at [[St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York City)|St. Patrick's Cathedral]], red at [[Landmarks of Hoboken, New Jersey#Pier A Park|Pier A Park]] in [[Hoboken, New Jersey]], and green at Union Station in New Haven. The red sequence was originally meant to include [[Rainmaking|artificial rain]], but freezing temperatures caused water droplets to turn into ice mid-air, creating safety risks. Instead, the scene was filmed on a sunny day using two hundred red umbrellas. The green segment faced a shortage of extras, requiring crew members—including [[assistant director]] [[Ayan Mukerji]]—to fill in.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
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| | The freezing temperatures during the New York schedule caused further complications. During the same song, temperatures dropped to –14 °C (7 °F), causing significant discomfort for Mukerji, who was dressed in a [[Chiffon (fabric)|chiffon]] saree. The conditions were so harsh that she was unable to walk unassisted and had to be carried to her vehicle by her cousin Ayan Mukerji.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-02 |title=When Karan Johar nearly 'killed' Rani Mukerji during Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna shoot |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-karan-johar-nearly-killed-rani-mukerji-during-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-shoot/articleshow/106482569.cms |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Despite these challenges, director [[Karan Johar]] continued the shoot as planned, making only minor adjustments to ensure safety. | ||
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Due to a scheduling conflict, Johar delegated the direction of a key hotel scene to [[Shah Rukh Khan]]. Initially reluctant, Khan completed the sequence with remote guidance from [[Amitabh Bachchan]] over the phone.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
== Themes and analysis == | |||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' explores themes of [[Infidelity|marital infidelity]], emotional dissatisfaction, and the complexities of modern relationships. The narrative follows Dev and Maya, both in unfulfilling marriages, who develop a deep emotional connection that leads to an [[Affair#Extramarital affair|extramarital affair]]. The film examines the notion of encountering a [[soulmate]] after marriage and the resulting emotional and familial consequences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 March 2023 |title=Here's why Karan Johar had big fight with Aditya Chopra over SRK and Rani's sex scene in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/karan-johar-had-big-fight-with-aditya-chopra-over-sex-scene-in-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-101677930471028-amp.html |access-date=20 July 2023 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> | |||
Director [[Karan Johar]] cited a real-life incident he witnessed in [[London]], where a couple amicably ended their marriage, as a key inspiration for the story. This event, combined with thematic elements from [[Richard Linklater]]'s ''[[Before Sunset]]'' (2004), motivated Johar to explore the deeper dynamics of love, commitment, and the consequences of relationship choices.<ref name="SRKANK" /> | |||
Johar addressed criticisms suggesting that the film glorifies infidelity, clarifying that his intention was not to endorse extramarital affairs but to portray the emotional turmoil and consequences involved. In interviews, he emphasized that the film reflects the emotional complexity of contemporary relationships and the importance of understanding one's personal needs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agencies |date=2024-01-14 |title='People said I endorsed infidelity through Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' |url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/entertainment/people-said-i-endorsed-infidelity-through-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-548158 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=www.millenniumpost.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-04 |title=ETimes Decoded: Revisiting Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, that blurred the lines between right and wrong when it came to love... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/etimes-decoded-revisiting-karan-johars-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-that-blurred-the-lines-between-right-and-wrong-when-it-came-to-love-/articleshow/102401923.cms |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> | |||
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The film's themes align with earlier works such as [[Yash Chopra]]'s [[Silsila (1981 film)|''Silsila'']] (1981) and [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s [[Arth (film)|''Arth'']] (1982), both of which tackled similar subject matter. Comparisons have also been drawn with [[Mike Nichols]]' [[Closer (film)|''Closer'']] (2004) and Johar's own production ''[[Gehraiyaan]]'' (2022), directed by [[Shakun Batra]], for their exploration of romantic conflict and moral ambiguity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2022 |title=Gehraiyaan isn't Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. It's millennial and love doesn't win |url=https://theprint.in/feature/reel-take/gehraiyaan-isnt-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-its-millennial-and-love-doesnt-win/827147/ |access-date=23 September 2022 |website=The Print}}</ref> | |||
== | == Soundtrack == | ||
{{Main|Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (soundtrack album)}} | |||
The soundtrack of ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was composed by [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], with lyrics by [[Javed Akhtar]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-06-14 |title=Karan Johar on KANK's Music |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karan-johar-on-kank-s-music-news-bollywood-kkfvjMicbgc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021100229/http://www.sify.com/movies/karan-johar-on-kank-s-music-news-bollywood-kkfvjMicbgc.html |archive-date=2012-10-21 |access-date=2011-08-17 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Karan Johar likes his English hooks' |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/10sel.htm |access-date=2011-08-17 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> It marked their second collaboration with director [[Karan Johar]] after ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003). The soundtrack was released in the [[United Kingdom]] on 12 June 2006 and officially launched in India on 16 June 2006 during the [[7th IIFA Awards]] in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-06-09 |title='Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' music launch at I.I.F.A |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/2006-lowest-openers-in-u-k/ |access-date=2011-08-17 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> The album received widespread acclaim for its melodies, modern arrangements, and thematic resonance, particularly the songs "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", "Mitwa", and "Tumhi Dekho Naa", which became chart-topping hits.<ref name="rediff22">{{cite web |date=2006-06-21 |title=Great tunes from KANK |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/16kank.htm |access-date=2011-08-17 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> | |||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna''< | |||
'' | The soundtrack achieved strong commercial performance upon release. It debuted at number one on Indian music charts and remained at the top position for ten consecutive weeks. Competing with other popular soundtracks such as ''[[Fanaa (2006 film)|Fanaa]]'', ''[[Krrish]]'', and ''[[Gangster: A Love Story]]'', it sold approximately 1.9 million units, according to ''[[Box Office India]]'', making it the second highest-selling Bollywood soundtrack of 2006, behind only ''[[Dhoom 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-09-01 |title=Top Ten albums of the week |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2006/09/01/1504/index.html |access-date=2011-08-17 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}{{dead link|date=July 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2009-01-22 |title=Music Hits 2000-2009 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122120910/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-date=22 January 2009 |access-date=2011-08-17 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> | ||
== Release == | |||
The [[teaser trailer]] for ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was unveiled alongside the theatrical release of [[Fanaa (2006 film)|''Fanaa'']] on 26 May 2006, as part of the film's promotional campaign.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 June 2006 |title=Bonus treat with Aamir's Fanaa |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bonus-treat-with-aamir-s-fanaa/story-yGgiHw6ioJE78njAClwZ2H.html |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The film premiered globally on 11 August 2006 and was released across more than 1,200 screens worldwide, marking one of the widest international releases for a Hindi-language film at the time.<ref name="sify.com">{{cite web |title=KANK opens in 1,200 screens |url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14257901 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930205532/http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14257901 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |access-date=24 August 2007 |work=sify.com}}</ref> | |||
In the United States, the [[Motion Picture Association|Motion Picture Association of America]] (MPAA) initially assigned the film an R rating for strong language and sexual content. Following an appeal by the distributors, the film was reclassified with a PG-13 rating.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} | |||
== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
=== Critical reception === | === Critical reception === | ||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' received mixed-to-positive reviews in India and internationally. Critics praised its [[Ensemble cast|ensemble]] performances, emotional complexity, and bold narrative treatment of extramarital relationships, though many noted its excessive runtime and melodramatic tone as key drawbacks. On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds an approval rating of 58% based on 12 reviews, with the consensus stating: “Though ambitious in its attempt to explore infidelity and emotional isolation, ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' is weighed down by its excessive runtime and melodramatic execution.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kabhi_alvida_naa_kehna |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> On [[IMDb]], it has a rating of 6.1/10 based on over 23,000 user votes.<ref>{{Citation |last=Johar |first=Karan |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |date=2006-08-11 |type=Drama, Romance |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449999/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_4_nm_4_in_0_q_kank |access-date=2025-04-14 |others=Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan |publisher=Dharma Productions, Dillywood}}</ref> | |||
In India, [[Taran Adarsh]] from ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' called it [[Karan Johar]]’s "finest work to date," praising the screenplay's contrast between light and emotionally intense moments, and lauding the chemistry among the cast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2006-08-11 |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Review 4.5/5 {{!}} Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Movie Review {{!}} Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna 2006 Public Review {{!}} Film Review |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/critic-review/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-movie-review/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |language=en}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] ([[Network18 Group|''IBNLive'']]) awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, commending Johar's control over narrative structure and his ability to elevate ordinary moments with dialogue and score.<ref>{{cite web |title=Masand's verdict: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict--kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/18315-8.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721012607/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict--kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/18315-8.html |archive-date=21 July 2009 |website=IBN Live}}</ref> [[Baradwaj Rangan]] noted the film was “too long, too weepy,” but appreciated its thematic depth and subversion of genre tropes. ''Nowrunning'' echoed this sentiment, applauding the film's departure from traditional family-centric storytelling in favor of exploring uncomfortable emotional truths.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-08-13 |title=Review: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2006/08/13/review-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Baradwaj Rangan |language=en}}</ref> | |||
[[ | However, not all feedback was positive. [[Kaveree Bamzai]] (''[[India Today]]'') felt Johar lost his usual balance between emotional weight and levity, while Raja Sen (''[[Rediff.com]]'') criticized the film's script, characters, and length, calling it "a mammoth 22-reel experience" with "cardboard characters and glitzy emptiness."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-08-28 |title=Movie review: 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20060828-film-review-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-784871-2006-08-27 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Sen">{{cite web |date=25 August 2006 |title=KANK is an exhausting film by Raja Sen |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/11kank.htm |access-date=30 January 2008 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> | ||
Internationally, the film received a warmer reception. [[Neil Genzlinger]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' praised the film's visual excesses and comic timing, noting its larger-than-life appeal.<ref name="Genzlinger">{{cite news |last=Genzlinger |first=Neil |date=26 August 2006 |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, a Bollywood Divorce Tale |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/12/movies/12kabh.html?ex=1313035200&en=44270ed672924be2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |access-date=30 January 2008 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Derek Elley of [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] highlighted the film's emotional volatility and credited the performances of [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Preity Zinta]].<ref name="Elley">{{cite web |last=Elley |first=Derek |date=30 August 2006 |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117931316.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230002241/https://variety.com/review/VE1117931316.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |archive-date=30 December 2006 |access-date=31 January 2008 |work=Variety}}</ref> ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' lauded its restraint and internalized emotional tone, calling it a “slow and elegant descent into emotional tumult rarely explored in mainstream cinema.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Movie Review: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2006-08-11/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.austinchronicle.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
=== Box office === | |||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was released on 11 August 2006 across more than 1,200 screens worldwide.<ref name="sify.com" /> The film opened to strong box office results, recording a then-record opening in several Indian cities and grossing approximately ₹27.85 [[crore]] (equivalent to US$6.2 million at the time) in its first week in India. Although it remains [[Karan Johar]]’s lowest-grossing film in India in terms of net domestic collections (unadjusted for inflation), it ranked as the [[List of Hindi films of 2006|fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2006]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=364 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=www.boxofficeindia.com}}</ref> | |||
Internationally, the film performed exceptionally well. It grossed $10.56 million overseas, becoming the third-highest overseas grosser for a Bollywood film as of 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=KANK |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=308&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006052405/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=308&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D |archive-date=6 October 2013 |access-date=10 August 2007 |work=Box Office India |df=dmy-all}}</ref> During its opening weekend, it collected $1.35 million in the United States and $1.4 million (£750,000) in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |title=KANK declared a hit in India |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2006.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808100831/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2006.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=8 August 2007 |access-date=10 August 2007 |work=Box Office India}}</ref> Its total box office reached $3.27 million in the U.S. and over £5.07 million in the UK. One factor contributing to its American success was its release across 64 theatres, including non-traditional markets such as [[Miami]], [[Tampa]], and [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=kabhialvidanaakehna.htm |access-date=10 August 2007 |work=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> | |||
Upon release, the film surpassed ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001) to become the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.<ref name="sify.com" /> Its total global gross amounted to ₹113 crore (equivalent to US$37 million at the time),<ref name="BOI gross" /><ref name="currency" /><ref name="Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" /> making it the top-grossing Indian film of the decade in overseas markets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2006 |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2006 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office India overseas earners |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207070143/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners |archive-date=7 February 2008 |access-date=19 May 2010 |work=Box Office India}}</ref> When adjusted for inflation, it remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Lifetime Inflation Adjusted Grossers Worldwide |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=313&catName=TGlmZXRpbWUgQWRqdXN0ZWQ= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204140124/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=313&catName=TGlmZXRpbWUgQWRqdXN0ZWQ%3D |archive-date=4 December 2013 |access-date=1 June 2011 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> | |||
== | == Accolades == | ||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' | {{Main|List of accolades received by Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna}}A recipient of several accolades, ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' led the [[52nd Filmfare Awards]] with 23 nominations, winning [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] for Abhishek Bachchan. The film also received one [[International Indian Film Academy Awards|IIFA Award]], two [[Global Indian Film Awards]], one [[People's Choice Awards India|People's Choice Award India]], one [[Screen Awards|Screen Award]], one [[Stardust Awards|Stardust Award]], and five [[Zee Cine Awards]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=10 June 2007 |title=IIFA Awards 2007 winners |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/06/10/2750/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228080201/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/06/10/2750/index.html |archive-date=28 December 2007 |access-date=12 July 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> | ||
It | It was also among the films considered for India's official submission to the [[79th Academy Awards|2007]] [[Academy Award for Best International Feature Film]], alongside ''[[Rang De Basanti]]'', ''[[Krrish]]'', ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'', and ''[[Lage Raho Munna Bhai]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2006 |title=Final cut: Which one will be our be our best bet at Oscars? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/final-cut-which-one-will-be-our-best-bet-at-oscars/articleshow/1930939.cms?from=mdr |access-date=16 July 2021 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Ultimately, ''Rang De Basanti'' was selected as the country's entry.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 September 2006 |title=Rang De Basanti is India's entry for the Oscars |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/rang-de-basanti-is-india-s-entry-for-the-oscars-106092500053_1.html |access-date=16 July 2021 |newspaper=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref> | ||
== Legacy == | |||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' has gained recognition over time for its thematic boldness and unconventional portrayal of romantic relationships in Hindi cinema. The film has been retrospectively described as a [[Cult film|cult classic]] and ahead of its time, particularly for its exploration of marital infidelity and emotional dissatisfaction within urban relationships.<ref name="KANK1">{{Cite web |last=Sasi |first=Tusshar |date=2016-08-10 |title='Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna': Mainstream Bollywood At Its Bravest Best |url=https://filmysasi.com/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-10-years-review/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=Filmy Sasi |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="KANK2">{{Cite web |date=2022-02-21 |title='Silsila,' 'KANK,' 'Gehraiyaan': Reflects Time And Cultural Attitude Towards Relationships And Infidelity |url=https://reelisticviews.com/silsila-kank-gehraiyaan-reflects-time-and-cultural-attitude-towards-relationships-and-infidelity/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=Reelistics Views |language=en-US |url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118214227/http://reelisticviews.com/silsila-kank-gehraiyaan-reflects-time-and-cultural-attitude-towards-relationships-and-infidelity/ }}</ref> It has also been cited by ''[[Filmfare]]'' as one of the best ensemble cast films in Hindi cinema, and was featured by critic [[Shubhra Gupta]] in her book ''50 Films That Changed Bollywood'', noting its impact on the narrative boundaries of mainstream Hindi cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=10 Bollywood Family Dramas Movies Featuring An Ensemble Cast |url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/10-bollywood-family-dramas-featuring-an-ensemble-cast-58069.amp |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=Filmfare}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=50 FILMS That Changed Bollywood — As Shubhra saw it… |url=https://pickle.co.in/film/50-films-that-changed-bollywood-as-shubhra-saw-it/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214124320/https://pickle.co.in/film/50-films-that-changed-bollywood-as-shubhra-saw-it/ |archive-date=14 February 2018 |access-date=11 November 2021 |work=Pickle}}</ref> | |||
In a retrospective feature, ''[[Filmfare]]'' observed that "''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was made ahead of its time. The subject and the treatment forced people to sit up and think out of their comfort zone."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paul |first1=Ushnota |date=11 August 2016 |title=10 reasons why we still love Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/10-reasons-why-we-still-love-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-15045.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020528/https://www.filmfare.com/features/10-reasons-why-we-still-love-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-15045.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=4 May 2020 |work=Filmfare |agency=The Times Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jahagirdar-Saxena |first1=Shraddha |date=11 August 2018 |title=A nostalgic re-living of ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' |url=https://www.vervemagazine.in/arts-and-culture/a-nostaligic-re-living-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020453/https://www.vervemagazine.in/arts-and-culture/a-nostaligic-re-living-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=2 July 2020 |work=[[Verve (Indian magazine)|Verve]]}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'' remarked that the film did not glorify extramarital relationships, but instead presented their emotional consequences.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 August 2023 |title=Revisiting Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, that blurred the lines between right and wrong when it came to love |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/etimes-decoded-revisiting-karan-johars-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-that-blurred-the-lines-between-right-and-wrong-when-it-came-to-love-/articleshow/102401923.cms |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Times of India |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Firstpost]]'' referred to the film as [[Karan Johar]]'s "most polarized work" as a filmmaker,<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2022 |title=Karan Johar on Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: I don't agree it was ahead of its times, I'm very proud of the film |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/karan-johar-on-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-i-dont-agree-it-was-ahead-of-its-times-im-very-proud-of-the-film-11040171.html/amp |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Firstpost |language=en-US}}</ref> while ''Film Companion'' described it as a "compelling and thought-provoking drama" that invites emotional reflection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halve |first=Anushka |date=2 June 2023 |title=Must Watch Karan Johar Films |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-lists/must-watch-karan-johar-films-my-name-is-khan-kabhi-khushi-kabhi-gham-kuch-kuch-hota-hai |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Film Companion |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
The film is often cited among the notable works of Johar, [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]], and [[Preity Zinta]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at 10: Shah Rukh Khan-Karan Johar's best collaboration still unacknowledged |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/karan-johar-kabhi-alvida-na-kehna-shah-rukh-khan-amitabh-bachchan-10-years-334634-2016-08-11 |access-date=2021-12-21 |website=India Today |date=11 August 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 March 2020 |title=Rani Mukerji movies that etched her name in the portals of Hindi cinema |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/rani-mukerji-movies-that-etched-her-name-in-the-portals-of-hindi-cinema-47190.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324064409/https://www.filmfare.com/features/rani-mukerji-movies-that-etched-her-name-in-the-portals-of-hindi-cinema-47190.html |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Filmfare}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 July 2020 |title=Filmfare Recommends: 15 Best Films of Abhishek Bachchan |url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/filmfare-recommends-15-best-films-of-abhishek-bachchan-41959.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324064409/https://m.filmfare.com/features/filmfare-recommends-15-best-films-of-abhishek-bachchan-41959.amp |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=26 November 2020 |work=Filmfare}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=31 January 2017 |title=Preity Zinta's super 6 performances of all time |url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/birthday-special-preity-zintas-super-six-performances-of-all-time-18503.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324064409/https://m.filmfare.com/features/birthday-special-preity-zintas-super-six-performances-of-all-time-18503.amp |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=26 June 2020 |work=Filmfare}}</ref> In 2010, ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' included Khan and Mukerji's pairing in its list of the top ten romantic on-screen couples of the decade.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramsubramaniam |first=Nikhil |title=10 Best Onscreen Romantic Couples of the Decade |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/slideshows/10-best-onscreen-romantic-couples-of-the-decade/10-best-onscreen-romantic-couples-of-the-decade-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062308/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/slideshow/type/view/id/789 |archive-date=23 October 2013 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> | |||
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== Home media and streaming == | |||
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was released on [[DVD]] on 26 October 2006 by [[Yash Raj Films]]. The two-disc set featured [[Dolby Digital|Dolby Digital 5.1]] audio, optional subtitles in English, Arabic, Malay, Tamil, and Telugu, and included bonus content such as [[deleted scene]]s and behind-the-scenes featurettes.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Kabhi-Alvida-Naa-Kehna-DVD/126420/ |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna DVD |access-date=2025-04-15 |via=www.blu-ray.com}}</ref> The film was subsequently released on [[Blu-ray]] on 18 May 2010. The Blu-ray edition featured a [[1080p]] high-definition transfer, [[DTS-HD Master Audio|DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1]], and was issued as a region-free release with English and Arabic subtitles.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Kabhi-Alvida-Naa-Kehna-Blu-ray/11845/ |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Blu-ray (India) |access-date=2025-04-15 |via=www.blu-ray.com}}</ref> | |||
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== | As of 2025, the film is available for streaming on platforms including [[Netflix]] and [[Amazon Prime Video]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WATCH! Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukerji's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on Netflix |url=https://www.netflix.com/in/title/70057651?preventIntent=true |access-date=2021-12-28 |website=Netflix |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WATCH! Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukerji's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on Amazon Prime |url=https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Kabhi-Alvida-Naa-Kehna/0P53I0VNZ3ZG8GY68CGHDNVSO7 |access-date=2021-11-29 |website=Amazon Prime Video |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
{{Portal|Bollywood}} | |||
* [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films]] | * [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films]] | ||
* [[List of Hindi films of 2006]] | |||
* [[List of films set in New York City]] | * [[List of films set in New York City]] | ||
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081221052302/http://www3.dharma-production.com/kank_syn.html Official Website: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20081221052302/http://www3.dharma-production.com/kank_syn.html Official Website: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna] | ||
* {{IMDb title|0449999|Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna}} | * {{IMDb title|0449999|Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna}} | ||
* {{TCMDb title|id=658518}} | |||
* {{mojo title|id=kabhialvidanaakehna|title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna}} | * {{mojo title|id=kabhialvidanaakehna|title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna}} | ||
| Line 672: | Line 203: | ||
[[Category:2006 films]] | [[Category:2006 films]] | ||
[[Category:2006 romantic drama films]] | [[Category:2006 romantic drama films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:2006 Hindi-language films]] | ||
[[Category:Indian films set in New York City]] | [[Category:Indian films set in New York City]] | ||
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]] | [[Category:Indian romantic drama films]] | ||
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[[Category:Films scored by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] | [[Category:Films scored by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] | ||
[[Category:Films distributed by Yash Raj Films]] | [[Category:Films distributed by Yash Raj Films]] | ||
[[Category:Films | [[Category:Films about Indian Americans]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Films shot in New York City]] | ||
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]] | |||
Latest revision as of 22:59, 22 March 2026
| Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna | |
|---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Karan Johar |
| Produced by | Hiroo Yash Johar |
| Screenplay by | Karan Johar Shibani Bathija |
| Dialogues by | Niranjan Iyengar |
| Story by | Karan Johar |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy |
| Cinematography | Anil Mehta |
| Edited by | Sanjay Sankla |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Yash Raj Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 192 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | ₹50 crore (equivalent to ₹129 crore or US$18 million in 2019)[2] |
| Box office | ₹113 crore (equivalent to ₹292 crore or US$41 million in 2019)[3][4] |
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (transl. Never Say Goodbye), also abbreviated as KANK, is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film written and directed by Karan Johar, based on script contributions by Shibani Bathija and Niranjan Iyengar, and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar in her debut under the Dharma Productions banner. The film features an ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Kirron Kher. Set primarily in New York City, the narrative explores themes of marital infidelity, emotional dissatisfaction, and dysfunctional relationships, and was promoted with the tagline "A Love... That Broke All Relationships."[5] The film marked a notable departure from Johar's earlier family-centric dramas, opting for a more mature and controversial storyline.
The film follows Dev and Maya, two individuals in unhappy marriages who form a deep emotional connection that develops into an extramarital affair, challenging conventional ideas of love and commitment. Principal photography took place over a 90-day schedule across various locations in the United States, with cinematography by Anil Mehta. The film's soundtrack was composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
Released theatrically in India on 11 August 2006, the film received mixed-to-positive reviews. While its portrayal of infidelity drew criticism, the performances, cinematography, dialogues, costume design, and music were widely praised. The film emerged as the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2006 in India and, at the time, the highest-grossing Indian film in overseas markets, grossing ₹1.13 billion (US$37 million) worldwide.[4][6] The film was released in over 1,200 cinemas across more than 20 countries—one of the widest international releases for a Hindi film at the time—and was screened at the 31st Toronto International Film Festival and the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival.[7][8][9]
The film received multiple accolades and led the 52nd Filmfare Awards with 23 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Johar), Best Actor (Khan), Best Actress (Mukerji) and Best Supporting Actress (Zinta), winning Best Supporting Actor for Abhishek Bachchan. Marking his third consecutive award in the category, he became the only actor after Dilip Kumar to hattrick at the Filmfare Awards.[10]
Plot[edit | edit source]
Dev Saran, a professional soccer player in New York City, lives with his wife Rhea, son Arjun, and widowed mother, Kamaljit ("Kamal"). Maya, a schoolteacher and orphan, is preparing to marry her closest friend, Rishi Talwar, who was raised by his wealthy and flamboyant father, Samarjit ("Sam"). On the day of her wedding, Maya meets Dev by chance. Though strangers, they form an immediate emotional connection. As he leaves, Dev is hit by a car, which ends his athletic career.
Four years later, Dev is embittered by his lost career and insecure about Rhea's growing success as a fashion magazine editor. He works as a junior soccer coach but struggles to bond with Arjun, who would rather play the violin. Maya feels emotionally disconnected from Rishi and struggles with her infertility. After Sam and Kamal befriend each other, Dev and Maya reconnect and develop a friendship based on shared marital frustrations. As Rhea and Rishi begin working together, Dev and Maya grow closer and (hilariously) attempt to repair their marriages, but without success. Their relationship intensifies.
After the couple's anniversary dinners, things come to a head. Rhea reveals she was offered a promotion in London and Dev, assuming she accepted it, accuses her of being self-centered and showing off. Hurt, Rhea reveals she turned it down for the sake of their family and confronts Dev over his resentment and detachment. Meanwhile, Rishi expresses frustration with Maya's emotional distance and her inability to have children.
Dev and Maya meet at a train station and confess their love. They begin an affair but struggle with guilt as their spouses try to save their marriages. Their secret is exposed when Sam and Kamal discover them in an embrace. That night, Sam suffers a fatal heart attack. On his deathbed, he urges Maya to leave Rishi so they can both pursue happiness. After Sam's death, Dev and Maya end their affair and confess to their spouses. Rhea and Rishi divorce them. Kamal remains with Rhea and Arjun. Dev and Maya part ways, each pretending to have moved on. Maya relocates to Philadelphia, and both remain alone.
Three years later, Rishi visits Maya, revealing that he has forgiven her and is remarrying. At his wedding, Maya encounters Rhea (who is also friends with Rishi's second wife), who is now dating her boss, Jai. Rhea and Rishi encourage Maya to find Dev. Learning he is leaving for Toronto, she rushes to the train station. Dev sees her but avoids contact, believing she is still with Rishi. As the train departs, however, he notices Maya's tears, pulls the emergency brake, and they reconcile. In a closing voiceover, Dev reflects that although he and Maya found happiness together, they continue to carry the guilt of the pain they caused along the way.
Cast[edit | edit source]
- Amitabh Bachchan as Samarjit "Sam" Talwar – Rishi's father and Maya's father-in-law.
- Shah Rukh Khan as Dev Saran – Rhea's husband, Arjun's father, and Kamaljit's son.
- Abhishek Bachchan as Rishi Talwar – Maya's husband and Samarjit's son
- Rani Mukerji as Maya Talwar – Rishi's wife and Samarjit's daughter-in-law.
- Preity Zinta as Rhea Saran – Dev's wife, Arjun's mother, and Kamaljit's daughter-in-law.
- Kirron Kher as Kamaljit "Kamal" Saran – Dev's mother, Rhea's mother-in-law, and Arjun's grandmother.
- Ahsaas Channa as Arjun Saran – Dev and Rhea's son and Kamaljit's grandson.
- Arjun Rampal as Jai Mehra – Rhea's boss.
- Saira Mohan as Catherine Talwar – Rishi's colleague and second wife, and Rhea and Jai's friend.
Cameo appearances[edit | edit source]
- Kajol in a special appearance in the song "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye".
- John Abraham as a DJ in the song "Where’s The Party Tonight?".
- Karan Johar as a train passenger in the final sequence.
- Ayan Mukerji as a train passenger in the song "Tumhi Dekho Naa".
- Tarun Mansukhani (uncredited) as Rishi's colleague.
Production[edit | edit source]
Development[edit | edit source]
Initially titled Kalank, the film was eventually renamed after the lyric Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna from the Kishore Kumar song “Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna” featured in the 1976 film Chalte Chalte. This title was also initially considered for Karan Johar's 2003 film Kal Ho Naa Ho, which he wrote and was briefly supposed to direct but instead marked the directorial debut of Nikhil Advani. [11][12] The title Kalank was eventually retained by Johar for a 2019 film of the same name he produced alongside Sajid Nadiadwala and Fox Star Studios, which was directed by Abhishek Varman and was envisioned by him in 2004.
The film was written and directed by Johar on the basis of his original story and a screenplay he developed alongside writer Shibani Bathija, who later provided the story for Kalank. The dialogues were penned by Niranjan Iyengar.[13]
Johar drew inspiration from real-life experiences and cinematic influences. He cited witnessing a married couple part amicably at a London café, his own emotional setbacks, and the Richard Linklater film Before Sunset (2004) as key triggers that shaped the story's emotional depth and unconventional premise.[13]
The project was produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, marking her debut as a producer under the Dharma Productions banner. Long-time collaborators Farah Khan (choreography), Manish Malhotra (costume design), and Sharmishta Roy (production design) returned to shape the film's visual aesthetic, continuing their creative association with Johar. MAC Cosmetics contributed significantly to the styling and makeup for the principal cast.[14]
Continuing a trend seen in Johar's previous works—Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)—the film featured a four-word title beginning with the letter “K.”[15]
Casting[edit | edit source]
Director Karan Johar initially intended to cast Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Ajay Devgn in the principal roles of Dev, Maya, Rhea, and Rishi, respectively.[13] However, both Devgn and Saif Ali Khan declined the film due to their prior commitments to Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara (2006), in which they played leading roles.[11] Saif had previously collaborated with Johar on Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) after Salman Khan declined the role of Rohit because he did not wish to "play second fiddle". Johar subsequently cast Abhishek Bachchan as Rishi after being impressed by his performance in Yuva (2004), marking Bachchan's first official collaboration with Dharma Productions after initially shooting for a cameo appearance in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) which was edited out of the film.[13]
The role of Maya was initially offered to Kajol, which was intended to mark her return to cinema after a five-year hiatus following Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001). She declined the part due to creative disagreements and a prior commitment to Yash Raj Films' Fanaa (2006), which she found more compelling.[16] In an episode of Koffee with Karan, Kajol also expressed discomfort with the film's treatment of extramarital relationships, stating, “Yes, there were some points I disagreed with. As a woman... I feel when you get married, you should want to work on it.”[16] Despite turning down the role, she made a cameo appearance in the song “Rock 'N' Roll Soniye.”
Following Kajol's departure, Mukerji—who was originally cast as Rhea—was recast in the role of Maya, which she later described as “a turning point” in her life.[17] Preity Zinta—who had previously collaborated with Johar on Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) after Kareena Kapoor refused the role of Naina due to a salary dispute with Johar—was subsequently brought in to portray Rhea, describing the role as a deliberate shift from her typically vivacious screen image: “I play this cold woman,” she explained, “which wasn’t easy for a warm person like me to do.”[18] Ameesha Patel was also considered for the role but declined due to scheduling conflicts.[11]
Amitabh Bachchan and Kirron Kher were cast as Samarjit ("Sam"), Rishi's father, and Kamaljit ("Kamal"), Dev's mother, respectively. Arjun Rampal was cast as Jai Mehra, Rhea's boss, replacing earlier considerations for John Abraham. Despite this, Abraham was later featured in a cameo as a DJ in the song “Where’s the Party Tonight?” Director Tarun Mansukhani also made a cameo appearance as one of Rishi's friends.[19]
The role of Dev and Rhea's young son, Arjun, was portrayed by Ahsaas Channa, a female child actor known for convincingly playing young boys in earlier projects. The decision was considered unconventional, but her performance was well received.[20]
Riteish Deshmukh and Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's son, filmed cameo appearances that were ultimately removed during editing. Additionally, both Johar and his assistant director Ayan Mukerji appeared briefly on screen—Johar in the film's final train sequence seated behind Shah Rukh Khan, and Mukerji in the “Tumhi Dekho Naa” montage, where he stepped in as an extra due to a shortage of background performers. He appears wearing a green sweater and carrying gift boxes.[19][21]
Notably, the principal cast—excluding Abhishek Bachchan—had previously worked together in Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara (2004).[22][23]
Filming[edit | edit source]
![Interior of [[Union Station]] in [[New Haven|New Haven, Connecticut]], showing arched windows, hanging globe lights, digital departure boards, and passengers seated or walking through the concourse.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Union_Station_New_Haven_waiting_area.gk.jpg)
Although Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is set in New York City, a significant portion of the film was shot in the United States, primarily in Connecticut. Key scenes were filmed in East Hartford and New Haven, including a soccer game sequence at Rentschler Field, home to the UConn Huskies football team, with the stadium's "UConn" logo visible in several shots. Scenes intended to depict Grand Central Terminal were filmed at New Haven's Union Station and Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. The film was primarily shot over 90 days in the United States, with additional scenes completed on four custom-built sets in Mumbai. During the U.S. shoot, Rani Mukerji reportedly suffered from a severe skin allergy due to extreme weather conditions.[24]
One of the most challenging sequences to film was the song “Tumhi Dekho Naa,” which was shot across several iconic locations in and around New York City. Each color-themed segment corresponded to a specific location: blue at Columbia University, yellow at Wall Street, orange at Bear Mountain State Park, pink at St. Patrick's Cathedral, red at Pier A Park in Hoboken, New Jersey, and green at Union Station in New Haven. The red sequence was originally meant to include artificial rain, but freezing temperatures caused water droplets to turn into ice mid-air, creating safety risks. Instead, the scene was filmed on a sunny day using two hundred red umbrellas. The green segment faced a shortage of extras, requiring crew members—including assistant director Ayan Mukerji—to fill in.[21]
The freezing temperatures during the New York schedule caused further complications. During the same song, temperatures dropped to –14 °C (7 °F), causing significant discomfort for Mukerji, who was dressed in a chiffon saree. The conditions were so harsh that she was unable to walk unassisted and had to be carried to her vehicle by her cousin Ayan Mukerji.[25] Despite these challenges, director Karan Johar continued the shoot as planned, making only minor adjustments to ensure safety.
Due to a scheduling conflict, Johar delegated the direction of a key hotel scene to Shah Rukh Khan. Initially reluctant, Khan completed the sequence with remote guidance from Amitabh Bachchan over the phone.[11]
Themes and analysis[edit | edit source]
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna explores themes of marital infidelity, emotional dissatisfaction, and the complexities of modern relationships. The narrative follows Dev and Maya, both in unfulfilling marriages, who develop a deep emotional connection that leads to an extramarital affair. The film examines the notion of encountering a soulmate after marriage and the resulting emotional and familial consequences.[26]
Director Karan Johar cited a real-life incident he witnessed in London, where a couple amicably ended their marriage, as a key inspiration for the story. This event, combined with thematic elements from Richard Linklater's Before Sunset (2004), motivated Johar to explore the deeper dynamics of love, commitment, and the consequences of relationship choices.[13]
Johar addressed criticisms suggesting that the film glorifies infidelity, clarifying that his intention was not to endorse extramarital affairs but to portray the emotional turmoil and consequences involved. In interviews, he emphasized that the film reflects the emotional complexity of contemporary relationships and the importance of understanding one's personal needs.[27][28]
The film's themes align with earlier works such as Yash Chopra's Silsila (1981) and Mahesh Bhatt's Arth (1982), both of which tackled similar subject matter. Comparisons have also been drawn with Mike Nichols' Closer (2004) and Johar's own production Gehraiyaan (2022), directed by Shakun Batra, for their exploration of romantic conflict and moral ambiguity.[29]
Soundtrack[edit | edit source]
The soundtrack of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.[30][31] It marked their second collaboration with director Karan Johar after Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). The soundtrack was released in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2006 and officially launched in India on 16 June 2006 during the 7th IIFA Awards in Dubai.[32] The album received widespread acclaim for its melodies, modern arrangements, and thematic resonance, particularly the songs "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", "Mitwa", and "Tumhi Dekho Naa", which became chart-topping hits.[33]
The soundtrack achieved strong commercial performance upon release. It debuted at number one on Indian music charts and remained at the top position for ten consecutive weeks. Competing with other popular soundtracks such as Fanaa, Krrish, and Gangster: A Love Story, it sold approximately 1.9 million units, according to Box Office India, making it the second highest-selling Bollywood soundtrack of 2006, behind only Dhoom 2.[34][35]
Release[edit | edit source]
The teaser trailer for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was unveiled alongside the theatrical release of Fanaa on 26 May 2006, as part of the film's promotional campaign.[36] The film premiered globally on 11 August 2006 and was released across more than 1,200 screens worldwide, marking one of the widest international releases for a Hindi-language film at the time.[7]
In the United States, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) initially assigned the film an R rating for strong language and sexual content. Following an appeal by the distributors, the film was reclassified with a PG-13 rating.[citation needed]
Reception[edit | edit source]
Critical reception[edit | edit source]
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna received mixed-to-positive reviews in India and internationally. Critics praised its ensemble performances, emotional complexity, and bold narrative treatment of extramarital relationships, though many noted its excessive runtime and melodramatic tone as key drawbacks. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 58% based on 12 reviews, with the consensus stating: “Though ambitious in its attempt to explore infidelity and emotional isolation, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is weighed down by its excessive runtime and melodramatic execution.”[37] On IMDb, it has a rating of 6.1/10 based on over 23,000 user votes.[38]
In India, Taran Adarsh from Bollywood Hungama called it Karan Johar’s "finest work to date," praising the screenplay's contrast between light and emotionally intense moments, and lauding the chemistry among the cast.[39] Rajeev Masand (IBNLive) awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, commending Johar's control over narrative structure and his ability to elevate ordinary moments with dialogue and score.[40] Baradwaj Rangan noted the film was “too long, too weepy,” but appreciated its thematic depth and subversion of genre tropes. Nowrunning echoed this sentiment, applauding the film's departure from traditional family-centric storytelling in favor of exploring uncomfortable emotional truths.[41]
However, not all feedback was positive. Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) felt Johar lost his usual balance between emotional weight and levity, while Raja Sen (Rediff.com) criticized the film's script, characters, and length, calling it "a mammoth 22-reel experience" with "cardboard characters and glitzy emptiness."[42][43]
Internationally, the film received a warmer reception. Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times praised the film's visual excesses and comic timing, noting its larger-than-life appeal.[44] Derek Elley of Variety highlighted the film's emotional volatility and credited the performances of Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta.[45] The Austin Chronicle lauded its restraint and internalized emotional tone, calling it a “slow and elegant descent into emotional tumult rarely explored in mainstream cinema.”[46]
Box office[edit | edit source]
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was released on 11 August 2006 across more than 1,200 screens worldwide.[7] The film opened to strong box office results, recording a then-record opening in several Indian cities and grossing approximately ₹27.85 crore (equivalent to US$6.2 million at the time) in its first week in India. Although it remains Karan Johar’s lowest-grossing film in India in terms of net domestic collections (unadjusted for inflation), it ranked as the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2006.[47]
Internationally, the film performed exceptionally well. It grossed $10.56 million overseas, becoming the third-highest overseas grosser for a Bollywood film as of 2013.[48] During its opening weekend, it collected $1.35 million in the United States and $1.4 million (£750,000) in the United Kingdom.[49] Its total box office reached $3.27 million in the U.S. and over £5.07 million in the UK. One factor contributing to its American success was its release across 64 theatres, including non-traditional markets such as Miami, Tampa, and Raleigh.[50]
Upon release, the film surpassed Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) to become the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.[7] Its total global gross amounted to ₹113 crore (equivalent to US$37 million at the time),[3][6][4] making it the top-grossing Indian film of the decade in overseas markets.[51][52] When adjusted for inflation, it remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally.[53]
Accolades[edit | edit source]
A recipient of several accolades, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna led the 52nd Filmfare Awards with 23 nominations, winning Best Supporting Actor for Abhishek Bachchan. The film also received one IIFA Award, two Global Indian Film Awards, one People's Choice Award India, one Screen Award, one Stardust Award, and five Zee Cine Awards.[10][54]
It was also among the films considered for India's official submission to the 2007 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, alongside Rang De Basanti, Krrish, Omkara, and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.[55] Ultimately, Rang De Basanti was selected as the country's entry.[56]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna has gained recognition over time for its thematic boldness and unconventional portrayal of romantic relationships in Hindi cinema. The film has been retrospectively described as a cult classic and ahead of its time, particularly for its exploration of marital infidelity and emotional dissatisfaction within urban relationships.[57][58] It has also been cited by Filmfare as one of the best ensemble cast films in Hindi cinema, and was featured by critic Shubhra Gupta in her book 50 Films That Changed Bollywood, noting its impact on the narrative boundaries of mainstream Hindi cinema.[59][60]
In a retrospective feature, Filmfare observed that "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was made ahead of its time. The subject and the treatment forced people to sit up and think out of their comfort zone."[61][62] The Times of India remarked that the film did not glorify extramarital relationships, but instead presented their emotional consequences.[63] Firstpost referred to the film as Karan Johar's "most polarized work" as a filmmaker,[64] while Film Companion described it as a "compelling and thought-provoking drama" that invites emotional reflection.[65]
The film is often cited among the notable works of Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, and Preity Zinta.[66][67][68][69] In 2010, Bollywood Hungama included Khan and Mukerji's pairing in its list of the top ten romantic on-screen couples of the decade.[70]
Home media and streaming[edit | edit source]
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was released on DVD on 26 October 2006 by Yash Raj Films. The two-disc set featured Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, optional subtitles in English, Arabic, Malay, Tamil, and Telugu, and included bonus content such as deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.[71] The film was subsequently released on Blu-ray on 18 May 2010. The Blu-ray edition featured a 1080p high-definition transfer, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and was issued as a region-free release with English and Arabic subtitles.[72]
As of 2025, the film is available for streaming on platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.[73][74]
See also[edit | edit source]
- List of highest-grossing Bollywood films
- List of Hindi films of 2006
- List of films set in New York City
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ↑ "A Rs 150 cr question". The Financial Express. 12 February 2006. Retrieved 26 December 2010.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna". Box Office India.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bamzai, Kaveree (30 October 2006). "Bollywood hits overseas box office in 2006". India Today. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- ↑ "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average)". World Bank. 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "KANK opens in 1,200 screens". sify.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ↑ "rediff.com: KANK goes to Toronto". m.rediff.com. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "KANK chosen for Tokyo film festival". Hindustan Times. 21 September 2006. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 IndiaFM News Bureau (24 February 2007). "52nd FairOne Filmfare Awards 2006 winners". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 6 March 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Fun facts about 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'". Mid-day. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ↑ "Bollywood titles: Now a song, now a film". Khaleej Times. IANS. 11 July 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 "15 years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: How a real-life divorce gave Karan Johar the idea for his 'extremely special' film". Indian Express. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
- ↑ "Title track had 18 changes for Rani: Manish Malhotra recalls designing for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Indian Express. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ↑ Joshi, Namrata (5 February 2022). "The K. Jo Effect". Outlook India. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 "THROWBACK: When Kajol revealed why she rejected Rani Mukerji's role in Shah Rukh Khan's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna; 'I just didn't agree…'". PINKVILLA. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "Rani Mukerji says Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was a turning point in her life. Here's why". India Today. 17 March 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ↑ "I'm sick of my bubbly image: Preity Zinta". Sify. 17 March 2006. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2007.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Aryan Khan's journey from being a child star to aspiring director: Here's all you need to know about Shah Rukh Khan's son". The Times of India. 3 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ↑ Bollywood Bubble (26 December 2024). Ahsaas Channa on playing Shah Rukh Khan's son in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' #shorts #youtubeshorts. Retrieved 15 April 2025 – via YouTube.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Fashion Friday: When Rani Mukerji wore six sensuous chiffon sarees in Tumhi Dekho Naa". India Today. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "Amitabh Bachchan was nervous while shooting KANK, embarrassed Shah Rukh Khan questioned Karan Johar: 'What is this nonsense?'". Indian Express. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
- ↑ "Karan Johar reveals most actors were awkward on the sets of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Times of India. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
- ↑ "KANK launch". KANI: Official website of Dharma Productions. Archived from the original on 26 November 2007. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
- ↑ "When Karan Johar nearly 'killed' Rani Mukerji during Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna shoot". The Times of India. 2 January 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "Here's why Karan Johar had big fight with Aditya Chopra over SRK and Rani's sex scene in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Hindustan Times. 4 March 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ↑ Agencies (14 January 2024). "'People said I endorsed infidelity through Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'". www.millenniumpost.in. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "ETimes Decoded: Revisiting Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, that blurred the lines between right and wrong when it came to love..." The Times of India. 4 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "Gehraiyaan isn't Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. It's millennial and love doesn't win". The Print. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
- ↑ "Karan Johar on KANK's Music". Sify. 14 June 2006. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ "'Karan Johar likes his English hooks'". Rediff.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ "'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' music launch at I.I.F.A". Bollywood Hungama. 9 June 2006. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ "Great tunes from KANK". Rediff.com. 21 June 2006. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ "Top Ten albums of the week". Bollywood Hungama. 1 September 2006. Retrieved 17 August 2011.[dead link]
- ↑ "Music Hits 2000-2009". Box Office India. 22 January 2009. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ "Bonus treat with Aamir's Fanaa". Hindustan Times. 1 June 2006.
- ↑ "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ Johar, Karan (11 August 2006), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (Drama, Romance), Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharma Productions, Dillywood, retrieved 14 April 2025
- ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (11 August 2006). "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Review 4.5/5 | Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Movie Review | Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna 2006 Public Review | Film Review". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ "Masand's verdict: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 21 July 2009.
- ↑ "Review: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Baradwaj Rangan. 13 August 2006. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ "Movie review: 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan". India Today. 28 August 2006. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ "KANK is an exhausting film by Raja Sen". Rediff.com. 25 August 2006. Retrieved 30 January 2008.
- ↑ Genzlinger, Neil (26 August 2006). "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, a Bollywood Divorce Tale". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 January 2008.
- ↑ Elley, Derek (30 August 2006). "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Variety. Archived from the original on 30 December 2006. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
- ↑ "Movie Review: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "KANK". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
- ↑ "KANK declared a hit in India". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 8 August 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
- ↑ "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
- ↑ "Top Worldwide Grossers 2006". boxofficeindia.com.
- ↑ "Box Office India overseas earners". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2010.
- ↑ "Top Lifetime Inflation Adjusted Grossers Worldwide". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
- ↑ IndiaFM News Bureau (10 June 2007). "IIFA Awards 2007 winners". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 December 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
- ↑ "Final cut: Which one will be our be our best bet at Oscars?". The Times of India. 28 August 2006. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ↑ "Rang De Basanti is India's entry for the Oscars". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 25 September 2006. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ↑ Sasi, Tusshar (10 August 2016). "'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna': Mainstream Bollywood At Its Bravest Best". Filmy Sasi. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ↑ "'Silsila,' 'KANK,' 'Gehraiyaan': Reflects Time And Cultural Attitude Towards Relationships And Infidelity". Reelistics Views. 21 February 2022. Archived from the original on 18 January 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ↑ "10 Bollywood Family Dramas Movies Featuring An Ensemble Cast". Filmfare. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ↑ "50 FILMS That Changed Bollywood — As Shubhra saw it…". Pickle. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ↑ Paul, Ushnota (11 August 2016). "10 reasons why we still love Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Filmfare. The Times Group. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Jahagirdar-Saxena, Shraddha (11 August 2018). "A nostalgic re-living of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Verve. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Revisiting Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, that blurred the lines between right and wrong when it came to love". Times of India. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ↑ "Karan Johar on Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: I don't agree it was ahead of its times, I'm very proud of the film". Firstpost. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
- ↑ Halve, Anushka (2 June 2023). "Must Watch Karan Johar Films". Film Companion. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at 10: Shah Rukh Khan-Karan Johar's best collaboration still unacknowledged". India Today. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- ↑ "Rani Mukerji movies that etched her name in the portals of Hindi cinema". Filmfare. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
- ↑ "Filmfare Recommends: 15 Best Films of Abhishek Bachchan". Filmfare. 2 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ "Preity Zinta's super 6 performances of all time". Filmfare. 31 January 2017. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ↑ Ramsubramaniam, Nikhil. "10 Best Onscreen Romantic Couples of the Decade". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013.
- ↑ Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna DVD. Retrieved 15 April 2025 – via www.blu-ray.com.
- ↑ Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Blu-ray (India). Retrieved 15 April 2025 – via www.blu-ray.com.
- ↑ "WATCH! Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukerji's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on Netflix". Netflix. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ↑ "WATCH! Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukerji's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on Amazon Prime". Amazon Prime Video. Retrieved 29 November 2021.




