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{{short description|2006 film directed by Karan Johar}}
{{short description|2006 film by Karan Johar}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{use Indian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
| 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
| writer        = '''Screenplay:'''<br>Karan Johar<br />[[Shibani Bathija]]<br />'''Dialogues:'''<br />[[Niranjan Iyengar]]
| 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]]
* [[Shahrukh Khan]]
* [[Shah Rukh Khan]]
* [[Abhishek Bachchan]]
* [[Abhishek Bachchan]]
* [[Rani Mukherji]]
* [[Rani Mukerji]]
* [[Preity Zinta]]
* [[Preity Zinta]]
* [[Kirron Kher]]
* [[Kirron Kher]]
}}
}}
| narrator      = Shahrukh Khan
| 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    = {{Plainlist|
| distributor    = [[Yash Raj Films]]
* Dharma Productions
* [[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        = {{Estimation}} {{INR|50 crore}}<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>
| 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          = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}226 crore<ref name="BOI gross">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=364|title = Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - Movie - Box Office India}}</ref><ref name="Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" />
| 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|''Never Say Goodbye''}}), also abbreviated as '''''KANK''''', is a 2006 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Musical film|musical]] [[Romance film|romantic drama]] film written and directed by [[Karan Johar]] and produced by his mother Hiroo Yash Johar, in her debut, under the [[Dharma Productions]] banner. The film stars [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Shah Rukh Khan|Shahrukh Khan]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]], [[Rani Mukerji|Rani Mukherji]], [[Preity Zinta]] and [[Kirron Kher]]. Set and mostly taking place in [[New York City]], the film explores themes of adultery. The title was promoted with the tag-line "''A Love... That Broke All Relationships''".
'''''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]].


''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' released worldwide on 11 August 2006 to mixed reviews from critics, with varied responses to its subject matter, direction, story, screenplay, music, cinematography, and performances of the cast. It was a commercial success in India, becoming [[List of Bollywood films of 2006|the second-highest grossing Bollywood film of 2006]]. Additionally, it was also a commercial success internationally, especially in the [[United States]]. It became the highest grossing Indian film of all time overseas at the time of its release. The film was screened in over 1,200 cinemas worldwide,<ref name="sify.com">{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14257901|title=sify.com|work=KANK opens in 1,200 screens|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}}</ref> grossing a worldwide total of {{INR|2.26 billion}} ({{US$|{{#expr:1200/32.307 round 0}} million|long=no}}).<ref name="Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/20061030-bollywood-hits-overseas-box-office-in-2006-784334-2006-10-30|title=Bollywood hits overseas box office in 2006|last1=Bamzai|first1=Kaveree|date=30 October 2006|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=30 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="currency" /> It was screened at the [[Tokyo International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/kank-chosen-for-tokyo-film-festival/story-6QpRTvIfP3fxBUIUJwWBJL.html |title=KANK chosen for Tokyo film festival |author=Indo-Asian News Service |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=21 September 2006 |access-date=6 August 2020 }}</ref>
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 ==
In 2002, Maya is an orphan who is to marry her closest childhood friend, Rishi Talwar. The two have been raised by Rishi's fun-loving wealthy father, Samarjit. Dev is a successful soccer player who lives in [[New York City]] with his wife Rhea, his son Arjun and his mother Kamaljit. Maya meets Dev moments before she is to marry Rishi. Although the two are strangers, they connect instantly. Right after they part, Dev is hit by a car and permanently injures his leg. As a result, he can no longer play soccer.
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, who now walks with a limp, is short-tempered and embittered because of his inability to play soccer; Rhea's successful career as a fashion magazine editor makes him feel inferior to her. Meanwhile, Maya is struggling with her [[infertile|infertility]] and lack of love for Rishi, seeing him as childish. Dev and Maya meet again and Rhea and Rishi strike a professional relationship. Sam and Kamal, having lost their spouses, become friends to help one another through their loneliness. Dev and Maya decide to do the same; they become friends and try to give each other ideas to salvage their marriages, all of which comically fail.
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.


Dev and Maya realise they have feelings for one another and not toward their partners. Rhea mentions that she has received a promotion and Dev goes into a rant, sneering that she is trying to show off. Rhea accuses Dev of being jealous of her professional success and makes him realise his failure of being a good husband and a good father because he cannot come out of his bitterness. At the same time, Rishi expresses his frustration at Maya's lack of affection and his resentment toward her inability to have children. Feeling worthless, Maya meets a disheartened Dev at the train station and the two confess that they have fallen in love with each other.
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 feel guilty for playing with their spouses' feelings, as both Rhea and Rishi try their best to make their marriages work. Nevertheless, Dev and Maya give in and make love. They are later caught in an embrace by Sam and Kamal, who are shocked and upset that they have cheated despite both Rhea and Rishi trying to make it work. That night, Sam has a heart attack. On his deathbed, he advises Maya to leave Rishi as she is depriving both of them of happiness in life. After Sam's death, Dev and Maya decide they must end their relationship and go back to their spouses, but first, they must tell them the truth about their extramarital affair because neither of them will be able to move on in the shadow of lies. Shocked, Rhea and Rishi divorce their spouses. Dev and Maya lie to each other and say that everything is fine, believing they'll never meet again.
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, now in 2009, Dev and Maya have been living alone, both miserable. Rishi visits Maya and reveals that he has fallen in love again and is remarrying. He invites Maya and Rhea to his wedding. Rhea attends with her boss Jay, whom she is now dating. Rhea confronts Maya about the affair and reveals that she left Dev. However, as Rhea and Rishi have both moved on, they encourage Maya to get her love, Dev, revealing that he is about to leave for [[Toronto]] by train, for his new job. At the train station, Dev sees Maya but avoids her, believing she is still with Rishi. However, as the train pulls away, the two make eye contact. Seeing her tears, Dev pulls the emergency brake and returns, and the couple reunites.
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 ==
=== Main ===
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Samarjit "Sam" Talwar Rishi's father and Maya's father-in-law.
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Samarjit "Sam" Talwar, Rishi's father
*[[Shah Rukh Khan]] as Dev Saran – Rhea's husband, Arjun's father, and Kamaljit's son.
*[[Shah Rukh Khan|Shahrukh Khan]] as Dev Saran
*[[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|Rani Mukherji]] as Maya Talwar
*[[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 mother
*[[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.


=== Supporting ===
=== Cameo appearances ===
*[[Arjun Rampal]] as Jai Mehra, Rhea's boss
 
*[[Ahsaas Channa]] as Arjun Saran, Dev and Rhea's son
*[[Kajol]] in a special appearance in the song "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye".
*[[Kajol]] in an [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] in the song "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye"
*[[John Abraham]] as a DJ in the song "Where’s The Party Tonight?".
*[[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] in a cameo as the 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 a cameo appearance
*[[Ayan Mukerji]] as a train passenger in the song "Tumhi Dekho Naa".
*[[Ayan Mukerji|Ayan Mukherji]] in a cameo appearance in the song "Tumhi Dekho Naa"
*[[Tarun Mansukhani]] (uncredited) as Rishi's colleague.


== Production ==
== Production ==
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was directed and written by [[Karan Johar]] who collaborated with [[Shibani Bathija]] to write the screenplay, and [[Niranjan Iyengar]] wrote the dialogues. Produced by Karan's mother Hiroo Yash Johar in her debut under [[Dharma Productions]], the soundtrack was performed by the musical trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] with lyrics written by [[Javed Akhtar]]. [[Farah Khan]] was brought in to organize the choreographical aspects of the film, with costume designer [[Manish Malhotra]], production designer [[Sharmishta Roy]] and [[MAC (cosmetics)|MAC]] cosmetics all playing a major role in production.
=== 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.


[[Kajol]] was initially offered the role of Maya Talwar. When she refused, due to her prior commitments with [[Yash Raj Films]]'s ''[[Fanaa (film)|Fanaa]]'' (2006), the role was passed on to her cousin [[Rani Mukerji|Rani Mukherji]], who was supposed to play [[Preity Zinta]]'s part. However, Kajol made a guest appearance in the song "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye".
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>


[[Riteish Deshmukh]] also had a guest appearance, but his scene was cut during the editing process.
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" />


''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' is set in [[New York City]], while many of the scenes were filmed in [[East Hartford]] and [[New Haven]] in [[Connecticut]]. The soccer game scene was filmed at [[Rentschler Field (stadium)|Rentschler Field]], the home of the [[UConn Huskies football team]]. In several scenes, a light 'UConn' can be seen on the field. The majority of the [[Grand Central Terminal|Grand Central Station]] scenes were filmed at New Haven's [[Union Station (New Haven)|Union Station]] and [[Philadelphia]]'s [[30th Street Station]].
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>


In an interview, Johar stated that the filming for the song "Tumhi Dekho Naa" was done at multiple locations and ended up being extremely time-consuming. The "blue section" of the song was shot at [[Columbia University]] in [[Upper West Side]], the "yellow section" was shot at [[Wall Street]] in [[Lower Manhattan]], the "orange section" at [[Bear Mountain State Park]], the "red section" at the [[Landmarks of Hoboken, New Jersey#Pier A|Pier A Park]] in [[Hoboken, New Jersey|Hoboken]], and the "green section" at the Union Station in New Haven. The red section was initially designed to take place in the rain. However, due to the low temperatures, the raindrops produced by the rain machines started freezing in mid-air. This posed a risk of physical harm to the actors. Consequently, the filmmakers decided to do away with the rain. However, they still wanted to make use of the 200 red umbrellas they had purchased. Eventually, they decided to shoot the red section on a sunny day where the actors used the umbrellas to block out the sun. The shooting for the green section also ran into problems. Two hundred extras were hired for the section but only fifteen showed up. Consequently, crew members present on the set wore the green costumes to take their place. [[Ayan Mukerji|Ayan Mukherji]], who was an assistant director of the film, can be seen in a green sweater carrying a box in one of the frames.
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 was filmed over a 90-day shooting period in the USA but a few scenes were shot on four large sets in [[Mumbai]] studios.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www3.dharma-production.com/KANK/launch.html| title = Official website of Dharma Productions| access-date = 31 January 2008| archive-date = 26 November 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071126060438/http://www3.dharma-production.com/KANK/launch.html| url-status = dead}}, Retrieved 31 January 2008</ref>
=== Casting ===
{{Multiple image
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| footer            = The film starred [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Preity Zinta]], and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] in lead roles.
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| image1            = Shah Rukh Khan promotes ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ in Delhi.jpg
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| 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.
}}


Mukherji suffered from a severe skin allergy during the filming in the US.
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" />


Like previous [[Karan Johar]] films – ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' (1998)'','' ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001) and ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003) ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' has a four-word title that starts with a "K".
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.


== Music ==
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" />
{{Infobox album
 
| name        = Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
[[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>
| type        = [[Soundtrack]]
 
| artist      = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
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>
| cover        =  
 
| alt          =  
[[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>
| released    = 12 June 2006 {{small|([[United Kingdom|UK]])}}<br />16 June 2006 {{small|(India)}}
 
| recorded    =  
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>
| venue        =
 
| studio      =
=== Filming ===
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
[[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>]]
| length      = 42:07
 
| label        = [[Sony BMG]]
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>
| producer    = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
 
| prev_title  = [[Dil Jo Bhi Kahey...]]
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" />
| prev_year    = 2005
 
| next_title  = [[Don (soundtrack)|Don – The Chase Begins Again]]
The freezing temperatures during the New York schedule caused further complications. During the same song, temperatures dropped to –14&nbsp;°C (7&nbsp;°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.
| next_year    = 2006
}}


The music and background score of ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was composed by [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], while the lyrics were penned by [[Javed Akhtar]]. This is the second time that lyricist Javed Akhtar and the composers Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy have teamed up for a Dharma production. The trio also replaces Johar's usual collaborators [[Jatin–Lalit]], who had composed for his previous films. The audio rights were acquired by [[Sony Music India]], under [[Sony BMG]], teaming up with [[Karan Johar]], for the fourth time after ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'', ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'' and ''Kal Ho Naa Ho''.
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" />


The title song "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" rendered by [[Sonu Nigam]] and [[Alka Yagnik]] is a [[tear jerker|tearjerker]]. "[[Mitwa]]", an evocative [[sufi rock]] ballad, marked the introduction of [[Pakistani folk music|Pakistani singer]] [[Shafqat Amanat Ali]] into the [[Bollywood]] scene. "Where's The Party Tonight?" by Shaan, [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Loy Mendonsa|Loy]] and Shankar Mahadevan is the [[Club music|club song]] picturized on Abhishek and Preity. Then follows "Tumhi Dekho Naa", a soft and romantic ballad, which again is sung by the Sonu Nigam – Alka Yagnik duo is picturized on Shahrukh and Rani. "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye", picturized on Amitabh, Abhishek and Preity is a [[Rock 'N' Roll|60's Rock 'N' Roll]] track, sung by [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]] and [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]. "Farewell Trance" is the [[Trance music|trance]] version of the title track, which is a rarity in Bollywood. The album also has a remix – "Mitwa – Revisted".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karan-johar-on-kank-s-music-news-bollywood-kkfvjMicbgc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021100229/http://www.sify.com/movies/karan-johar-on-kank-s-music-news-bollywood-kkfvjMicbgc.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-21 |title=Karan Johar on KANK's Music |publisher=Sify.com |date=2006-06-14 |access-date=2011-08-17}}</ref> The soundtrack ends with a sad version of the title track, "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna – Sad Version" which speaks of destiny, meeting again in life and never saying goodbye. The trio took care to not make the album sound repetitive, especially since the overall genre of the soundtrack is similar to that of their previous chartbuster ''Kal Ho Naa Ho''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/10sel.htm|title='Karan Johar likes his English hooks'|work=Rediff.com|access-date=2011-08-17}}</ref>
== 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>


The music of ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was launched in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2006 and was officially released in India on 16 June 2006 along with a grand music launch at the [[7th IIFA Awards]] in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2006/06/09/7255/index.html |title='Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' music launch at I.I.F.A |publisher=Bollywoodhungama.com |date=2006-06-09 |access-date=2011-08-17}}</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" />


=== Track listing ===
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>
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
| extra1 = [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Alka Yagnik]]
| length1 = 08:07
| title2 = [[Mitwa]]
| extra2 = [[Shafqat Amanat Ali]], [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Caralisa Monteiro]]
| length2 = 06:24
| title3 = Where's The Party Tonight?
| extra3 = [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Joi Barua]]
| length3 = 06:21
| title5 = Tumhi Dekho Naa
| extra5 = Sonu Nigam, [[Alka Yagnik]]
| length5 = 05:50
| title6 = Rock 'N' Roll Soniye
| extra6 = [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]], Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan
| length6 = 05:44
| title4 = Mitwa
| note4 = Revisited
| extra4 = Shafqat Amanat Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, Caralisa Monteiro
| length4 = 05:35
| title7 = Farewell Trance
| extra7 = Caralisa Monteiro, [[Shweta Pandit]]
| length7 = 05:47
| title8 = Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
| note8 = Sad Version
| extra8 = Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik
| length8 = 02:06
| total_length = 42:07
| all_writing =  
| all_lyrics = [[Javed Akhtar]]
}}


=== Critical reception ===
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>
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]''
| rev1Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name=bh>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2006/06/13/1289/index.html |title="We were quite disheartened on Sunday when some websites in London said that ''KANK'' is the worst album they have ever heard. And they wrote this without even listening to the album" – Ehsaan Noorani |publisher=Bollywoodhungama.com |date=2006-06-15 |access-date=2011-08-17}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Rediff.com]]''
| rev2Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name=rediff>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/16kank.htm |title=Great tunes from KANK – Rediff.com movies |publisher=In.rediff.com |date=2006-06-16 |access-date=2011-08-17}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''Planet Bollywood''
| rev3Score = {{rating|9.5|10}}
| rev4 = ''Bollyvista''
| rev4Score = {{rating|9.5|10}}
| rev1score =
}}Joginder Tuteja of ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' dismissed the initial negative reaction and hype, saying "Much before the official release of the music album of ''KANK'', rumour brigade has been having a field day in pulling down the album. Well, that's not something new as with every biggie comes its share of detractors. But on hearing the songs for yourself, you realize that is it NOTHING, but a rumour! The album is yet another fine product from the team that delivers the kind of path-breaking music expected from it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/12514/index.html|title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna : Music Review by Joginder Tuteja|publisher=Bollywoodhungama.com|access-date=2011-08-17}}</ref> Sukanya Verma of ''[[Rediff]]'' called the album "a treat for the melody-starved."<ref name="rediff22">{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/16kank.htm|title=Great tunes from KANK – Rediff.com movies|date=2006-06-21|publisher=In.rediff.com|access-date=2011-08-17}}</ref>


=== Charts and Sales ===
== Soundtrack ==
The album opened at #1 and retained the top position in the music charts for 10 straight weeks, despite facing tough competition from musical hits like ''[[Gangster (2006 film)|Gangster]]'', ''[[Fanaa (film)|Fanaa]]'' and ''[[Krrish]]''. According to the figures from ''Box Office India'', the album sold over 1,900,000 copies in India making it the second best-selling album of the year, marginally behind ''[[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|publisher=Bollywoodhungama.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2009-01-22|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}}</ref>
{{Main|Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (soundtrack album)}}


== Release ==
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''<nowiki/>'s teaser trailer was released along with [[Fanaa (2006 film)|''Fanaa'']], which released on 26 May 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bonus-treat-with-aamir-s-fanaa/story-yGgiHw6ioJE78njAClwZ2H.html|title=Bonus treat with Aamir's Fanaa|website=Hindustan Times |date=1 June 2006}}</ref>


''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'', with a multi-star cast, premiered on 11 August 2006 and was screened in over 1,200 cinemas worldwide.<ref name="sify.com" />
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>


According to the [[Internet Movie Database]] (IMDb), the [[Motion Picture Association of America]] (MPAA) originally gave the film an [[Motion Picture Association of America film rating system|R]] rating because of language and some sexual content. It was re-rated [[PG-13 (Motion Picture Association)|PG-13]] on appeal.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}
== 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>


''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' was one of India's possible nominations for the [[79th Academy Awards|2007]] [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Film]], with films such as ''[[Rang De Basanti]]'', ''[[Krrish]]'', ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'' and ''[[Lage Raho Munna Bhai]]'' also in the running.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/final-cut-which-one-will-be-our-best-bet-at-oscars/articleshow/1930939.cms?from=mdr |title=Final cut: Which one will be our be our best bet at Oscars? |website=The Times of India |date=28 August 2006 |access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref> However, the country ultimately chose ''Rang De Basanti'' as its pick.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/rang-de-basanti-is-india-s-entry-for-the-oscars-106092500053_1.html |title=Rang De Basanti is India's entry for the Oscars |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=25 September 2006 |access-date=16 July 2021|agency=Press Trust of India }}</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 ===
Critic [[Taran Adarsh]] from ''indiafm.com'' described the subject matter as a delicate one which could have easily been disastrous and praised the way in which director Karan Johar boldly constructed the film, citing it as his finest work to date.<ref name="Adarsh">{{cite web|title=Indiafm.com| work=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, by Taran Arash|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/12514/index.html|access-date=31 January 2008}}</ref> Adarsh approved in particular of the script and the devices the director incorporated to contrast emotions between scenes, remarking that, "the screenplay balances the two extremes; light moments and dollops of emotions with amazing ease".<ref name=Adarsh /> The individual cast performances were also praised by Adarsh, who commented on the effectiveness of the casting and the interaction of the actors.<ref name="Adarsh" />
''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>


[[Rajeev Masand]] from ''IBNLive'' gave the film 4 out of 5 stars praising the screenplay and Johar's direction, saying "Few writers have such solid control over their screenplay as Karan Johar does. Few understand the intricacies of narrative as well as he does. Johar goes from highs to lows, from plateaus to peaks with the ease of a pro. He knows exactly how to turn a seemingly ordinary scene into something special with just that one line of dialogue, or that hint of background music."<ref>{{cite web| url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict--kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/18315-8.html| title = | 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}}</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>


Derek Elley of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' also praised the diversity of emotions displayed by the cast, remarking that, "Scripter Shibani Bathija never lets her characters inhabit a secure emotional place for very long, and impediments to happiness come from their own weaknesses rather than social constraints or plot-generated misunderstandings".<ref name="Elley">{{cite web|url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117931316.html?categoryid=31&cs=1|title=Variety|date=30 August 2006|work=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, by Derek Elley|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}}</ref> Elley noted Amitabh Bachchan's performance as an ageing lothario and praised Preity Zinta as "stepping far beyond her makeup".<ref name="Elley" />
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>


However, Raja Sen of ''[[rediff.com]]'' was particularly critical of the film, also expressing dissatisfaction with its length. He remarked, "I feel older. A showing of Karan Johar's mammoth 22-reel ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' has left me unbelievably exhausted. I walked out of the hall feeling my cheeks for stubble, wondering if my clothes are suddenly dated and my hair's turned grey. I've lost a sizable chunk of my life, and you will too."<ref name="Sen">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/11kank.htm|title=Rediff.com|date=25 August 2006|work=KANK is an exhausting film by Raja Sen|access-date=30 January 2008}}</ref> Unlike other critics, he identified flaws in the script and criticized the strength of characters saying "The characters are cardboard, the setting is glitzy, the songs are tiresome, and the story oscillates between high melodrama and slapstick hilarity, going nowhere. Rarely has a weak script relied so completely on pretty people with big names to carry every line through".<ref name="Sen" />
=== 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>


In the United States, the film received a number of positive reviews.
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>


Critics such as [[Neil Genzlinger]] of the ''[[New York Times]]'' emphasized the larger-than-life nature of the film, remarking that, "It is full of big Bollywood stars and out-sized everything: the rainstorms are a little rainier than real life; the wind machines are cranked up an extra notch; the close-ups get closer and linger longer than usual; the coincidences that drive the plot are a little more numerous and unlikely than normal screenwriting allows".<ref name="Genzlinger">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/12/movies/12kabh.html?ex=1313035200&en=44270ed672924be2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss|title=New York Times|last=Genzlinger|first=Neil|date=26 August 2006|work=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, a Bollywood Divorce Tale by Neil Genzlinger|access-date=30 January 2008}}</ref> He praised the humor in the script and the director's comic timing in certain scenes such as the children's soccer match, the bed store, and at the ballet show.<ref name="Genzlinger" />
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>


=== Box office ===
== Accolades ==
''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' saw a record opening at many cities in India and generated {{INR|600 million}} in the first week itself, although it is currently Johar's lowest-grossing film according to net collections, even if unadjusted for inflation. It emerged the highest grosser worldwide for an Indian film, surpassing ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'''s five-year-old record.<ref name="sify.com" /> With a total overseas gross of {{US$|10.77 million|long=no}}, the film was the third [[List of Bollywood highest-grossing films in overseas markets|highest overseas grosser]] as of 2013.<ref>{{cite web| title=boxofficeindia.com| work=KANK| url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=308&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU=| access-date=10 August 2007| 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| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
{{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 opened strongly in the United States and the United Kingdom with first weekend grosses of $1.3 million in the U.S and $1.4 million (£750,000) in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|title=boxofficeindia.com| work=KANK declared a hit in India| url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2006.htm |access-date=10 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070808100831/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2006.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 8 August 2007}}</ref>
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>


In total ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' collected US$3,275,444 in the United States<ref>{{cite web|title=boxofficemojo.com| work=Box office results in USA|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=kabhialvidanaakehna.htm|access-date=10 August 2007}}</ref> while in UK it netted over £5,079,688.00. In the US, one factor contributing to its success was the fact it debuted in 64 theatres, unusually high for a Bollywood film in cities with lower Indian populations such as [[Miami]], [[Tampa]], and [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]] as well.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}
== 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>


The film's total worldwide gross was between {{INR}}1.12–1.20 billion ({{US$|{{#expr:1200/32.307 round 0}} million|long=no}}).<ref name="BOI gross" /><ref name="currency">{{cite web |title=Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average) |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/PA.NUS.FCRF?end=2007&locations=IN&start=2006 |website=[[World Bank]] |year=2006 |access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" />
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>


== Accolades ==
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>
{| class="infobox" style="width: 25em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: middle;"
|+ <span style="font-size: 9pt">List of accolades received by ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna''</span>
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |
|-
| colspan=3 |
{| class="collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;"
! colspan="3" style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"| Accolades
|- style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center; text-align:center;"
|| '''Award'''
|  style="background:#cec; text-size:0.9em; width:50px;"| '''Won'''
|  style="background:#fcd; text-size:0.9em; width:50px;"| '''Nominated'''
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Bollywood Movie Awards]]
|{{won|3}}
|{{nom|9}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Filmfare Awards]]
|{{won|1}}
|{{nom|23}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Global Indian Film Awards]]
|{{won|2}}
|{{nom|12}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[International Indian Film Academy Awards]]
|{{won|1}}
|{{nom|9}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Screen Awards]]
|{{won|1}}
|{{nom|8}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Stardust Awards]]
|{{won|1}}
|{{nom|6}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Zee Cine Awards]]
|{{won|5}}
|{{nom|26}}
|}
|- style="background:#d9e8ff;"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"|
;'''Total number of awards and nominations'''{{efn|Awards in certain categories do not have prior nominations and only winners are announced by the jury. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.}}
|-
|{{won|'''Totals'''}}
|{{won|'''14'''}}
|{{nom|'''93'''}}
|- style="background:#d9e8ff;"
| colspan="3" style="font-size: smaller; text-align:center;" | [[#References|References]]
|}


{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
== 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>
! scope="col"| Award{{efn|Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.}}
! scope="col"| Date of ceremony{{efn|Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}}
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Recipient(s)
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! rowspan="10" scope="row" | [[Bollywood Movie Awards]]
| rowspan="10" | 26 May 2007
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Film|Best Film]]
| ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' – {{sort|Hiroo|Hiroo Yash Johar}}
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="10" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://bollyspice.com/bollywood-movie-awards-nominees-announced/ |title=Bollywood Movie Awards Nominees Announced |website=Bollyspice.Com |date=30 April 2007 |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web|title=Winners of Bollywood Movie Awards: 1999 to 2007 |url=http://www.bollywoodawards.com/winba9.php |access-date=12 July 2021 |work=BollywoodAwards.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102124901/http://www.bollywoodawards.com/winba9.php |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref>
|-
|[[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Director|Best Director]]
|{{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| {{sort|Khan|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| {{sort|Abhishek|[[Abhishek Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{sort|Zinta|[[Preity Zinta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
| {{sort|Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy|[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Playback Singer Male|Best Male Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Nigam|[[Sonu Nigam]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Playback Singer Female|Best Female Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Yagnik|[[Alka Yagnik]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{won}}
|-
| [[Bollywood Movie Award – Best Costume Designer|Best Costume Designer]]
| {{sort|Malhotra|[[Manish Malhotra]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="23"| [[Filmfare Awards]]
| rowspan="23"| [[52nd Filmfare Awards|17 February 2007]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
| ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' – {{sort|Hiroo|Hiroo Yash Johar}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="23"| <ref>{{cite web|title=Nominations for the 52nd Filmfare Awards |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=8 February 2007 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/08/2219/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210050900/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/08/2219/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=10 February 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web|title=52nd FairOne Filmfare Awards 2006 winners |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=24 February 2007 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/24/2298/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306034628/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/02/24/2298/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=6 March 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
| rowspan="2"| {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Best Story]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
| {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}, {{sort|Bathija|[[Shibani Bathija]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue|Best Dialogue]]
| {{sort|Iyengar|[[Niranjan Iyengar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]
| {{sort|Mehta|[[Anil Mehta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| {{sort|Khan|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| {{sort|Abhishek|[[Abhishek Bachchan]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| {{sort|Amitabh|[[Amitabh Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{sort|Zinta|[[Preity Zinta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
| rowspan="2"| {{sort|Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy|[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Background Score|Best Background Score]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
| {{sort|Akhtar|[[Javed Akhtar]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{sort|Akhtar|[[Javed Akhtar]]}} – (for "[[Mitwa]]")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Nigam|[[Sonu Nigam]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Yagnik|[[Alka Yagnik]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Filmfare Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]]
| {{sort|Farah|[[Farah Khan]]}} – (for "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye")
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{sort|Farah|[[Farah Khan]]}} – (for "Where's The Party Tonight?")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]]
| {{sort|Sankla|Sanjay Sankla}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Direction]]
| {{sort|Roy|[[Sharmishta Roy]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Sound Design|Best Sound Design]]
| {{sort|Gomes|Stephen Gomes}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]]
| {{sort|Malhotra|[[Manish Malhotra]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="13" scope="row" | [[Global Indian Film Awards]]
| rowspan="13" | [[2nd Global Indian Film Awards|7–9 December 2006]]
| Best Film
| ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' – {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="13" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|title=Global Indian Film Awards 2006 Nomination List |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=27 October 2006 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com:80/features/2006/10/27/1752/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722033018/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2006/10/27/1752/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=22 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web|title=G.I.F.A. Awards 2006: List of winners |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=10 December 2006 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2006/12/10/1918/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720133201/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2006/12/10/1918/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|Best Director
|{{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Actor
| {{sort|Khan|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Actress
| {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| Best Supporting Actor
| {{sort|Abhishek|[[Abhishek Bachchan]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| {{sort|Amitabh|[[Amitabh Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Supporting Actress
| {{sort|Zinta|[[Preity Zinta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Music Director
| {{sort|Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy|[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Lyricist
| {{sort|Akhtar|[[Javed Akhtar]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| Best Male Playback Singer
| {{sort|Ali|[[Shafqat Amanat Ali]]}} – (for "[[Mitwa]]")
| {{nom}}
|-
|{{sort|Nigam|[[Sonu Nigam]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Female Playback Singer
| {{sort|Yagnik|[[Alka Yagnik]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Choreography
| {{sort|Farah|[[Farah Khan]]}} – (for "Where's The Party Tonight?")
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="9"| [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]]
| rowspan="9"| [[8th IIFA Awards|7–9 June 2007]]
| [[IIFA Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
| ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' – {{sort|Hiroo|Hiroo Yash Johar}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="9"| <ref>{{cite web|title=Nominees for IIFA Awards 2007 |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=4 April 2007|url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/04/04/2478/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106101301/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/04/04/2478/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web|title=IIFA Awards 2007 winners |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=10 June 2007 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/06/10/2750/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228080201/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/06/10/2750/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[IIFA Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
| {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[IIFA Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| {{sort|Abhishek|[[Abhishek Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{sort|Amitabh|[[Amitabh Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[IIFA Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
| {{sort|Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy|[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[IIFA Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
| {{sort|Akhtar|[[Javed Akhtar]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Nigam|[[Sonu Nigam]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[IIFA Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Yagnik|[[Alka Yagnik]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="8"| [[Screen Awards]]
| rowspan="8"| 6 January 2007
| [[Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| {{sort|Amitabh|[[Amitabh Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="8"| <ref>{{cite web|title=Nominations for the 13th Annual Star-Screen Awards |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=26 December 2006 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2006/12/26/1988/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228075835/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2006/12/26/1988/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web|title=Winners: 13th Annual Star-Screen Awards |author=IndiaFM News Bureau |date=7 January 2007 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/01/07/2046/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105062224/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/01/07/2046/index.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=5 January 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[Screen Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
| {{sort|Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy|[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Screen Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
| {{sort|Akhtar|[[Javed Akhtar]]}} – (for "[[Mitwa]]")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Screen Award for Best Male Playback|Best Male Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Ali|[[Shafqat Amanat Ali]]}} – (for "[[Mitwa]]")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Screen Award for Best Female Playback|Best Female Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Yagnik|[[Alka Yagnik]]}} – (for "Tumhi Dekho Naa")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Screen Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]
| {{sort|Mehta|[[Anil Mehta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Art Direction
| {{sort|Roy|Sharmishta Roy}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Screen Award for Jodi No. 1|Jodi No. 1]]
| {{sort|Khan|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]}}, {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="6"| [[Stardust Awards]]
| rowspan="6"| 18 February 2007
| [[Stardust Award for Dream Director|Dream Director]]
| {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"| <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/max-stardust-awards-nominations-news-bollywood-kkfvfAdhhdjsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218132217/http://www.sify.com/movies/max-stardust-awards-nominations-news-bollywood-kkfvfAdhhdjsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 January 2007 |title=Max Stardust Awards Nominations |work=Sify |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ash-sanju-bag-top-stardust-awards-259084.html |title=Ash, Sanju bag top Stardust awards |website=CNN-News18 |date=21 February 2007 |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Male|Star of the Year – Male]]
| {{sort|Khan|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Female|Star of the Year – Female]]
| {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Stardust Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| {{sort|Abhishek|[[Abhishek Bachchan]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| {{sort|Amitabh|[[Amitabh Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Stardust Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{sort|Zinta|[[Preity Zinta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="26"| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| rowspan="26"| [[Zee Cine Awards 2007|1 April 2007]]
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
| ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' – {{sort|Hiroo|Hiroo Yash Johar}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="26"| <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sifymax.com/zca/viewerschoice/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070406120844/http://sifymax.com/zca/viewerschoice/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 April 2007 |title=The 10th Zee Cine Awards 2007 Viewers' Choice Nominations |work=Sify |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sifymax.com/zca/jury/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070406002712/http://sifymax.com/zca/jury/#top1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 April 2007 |title=The 10th Zee Cine Awards 2007 Jury's Choice Nominations |work=Sify |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sifymax.com/zca/winners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070406121306/http://sifymax.com/zca/winners/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 April 2007 |title=The 10th Zee Cine Awards 2007 Winners |work=Sify |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/winners-of-the-zee-cine-awards-2007-news-bollywood-kkfvbfjdbhe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630105239/http://www.sify.com/movies/winners-of-the-zee-cine-awards-2007-news-bollywood-kkfvbfjdbhe.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2018 |title=Winners of the Zee Cine Awards 2007 |work=Sify |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
| {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Male|Best Actor]]
| {{sort|Khan|[[Shah Rukh Khan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Female|Best Actress]]
| {{sort|Mukerji|[[Rani Mukerji]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male|Best Supporting Actor]]
| {{sort|Abhishek|[[Abhishek Bachchan]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| {{sort|Amitabh|[[Amitabh Bachchan]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{sort|Zinta|[[Preity Zinta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
| rowspan="2"| {{sort|Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy|[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Background Score|Best Background Score]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
| {{sort|Akhtar|[[Javed Akhtar]]}} – (for "[[Mitwa]]")
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer – Male|Best Male Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Ali|[[Shafqat Amanat Ali]]}} – (for "[[Mitwa]]")
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{sort|Nigam|[[Sonu Nigam]]}} – (for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna")
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer – Female|Best Female Playback Singer]]
| {{sort|Yagnik|[[Alka Yagnik]]}} – (for "Tumhi Dekho Naa")
| {{won}}
|-
| {{sort|Das|[[Vasundhara Das]]}} – (for "Where's The Party Tonight?")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]]
| {{sort|Farah|[[Farah Khan]]}} – (for "Rock 'N' Roll Soniye")
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Track of the Year|Best Track of the Year]]
| "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna"
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
| {{sort|Karan|[[Karan Johar]]}}, {{sort|Bathija|[[Shibani Bathija]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Dialogue|Best Dialogue]]
| {{sort|Iyengar|[[Niranjan Iyengar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]
| {{sort|Mehta|[[Anil Mehta]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]]
| {{sort|Malhotra|[[Manish Malhotra]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Art Direction
| {{sort|Roy|[[Sharmishta Roy]]}}
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Audiography
| {{sort|Gomes|Stephen Gomes}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Song Recording
| {{sort|Rumde|Abhay Rumde}}, {{sort|Mukherjee|Shantanu Mukherjee}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Special Effects (Visual)
| {{sort|Rizwan|Shaikh Rizwan}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Publicity Design
| {{sort|H. R. Enterprises|H. R. Enterprises}}
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Film Processing
| {{sort|Adlabs Films|Adlabs Films}}
| {{won}}
|}


== Notes ==
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>
{{notelist}}


== 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}}


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[[Category:2006 films]]
[[Category:2006 films]]
[[Category:2006 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:2006 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2006 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian 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 featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Films about Indian Americans]]
[[Category:Hindi-language films]]
[[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 featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Preity Zinta against a blue-toned background with the film title and tagline.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKaran Johar
Produced byHiroo Yash Johar
Screenplay byKaran Johar
Shibani Bathija
Dialogues byNiranjan Iyengar
Story byKaran Johar
Starring
Music byShankar–Ehsaan–Loy
CinematographyAnil Mehta
Edited bySanjay Sankla
Production
company
Distributed byYash Raj Films
Release date
  • 11 August 2006 (2006-08-11)
Running time
192 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget50 crore (equivalent to 129 crore or US$18 million in 2019)[2]
Box office113 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]

Shah Rukh Khan posing indoors in a mesh-detailed black jacket over a grey shirt.
Rani Mukerji wearing a white and gold saree with gold earrings, posing at a media event.
Preity Zinta in a white tank top with black accents, standing in front of a movie poster backdrop.
Abhishek Bachchan smiling in a black suit with an open-collared white shirt and layered necklaces at a public event.
The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles.

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.
A major portion of the film was shot at the Union Station in New Haven.

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]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  2. "A Rs 150 cr question". The Financial Express. 12 February 2006. Retrieved 26 December 2010.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna". Box Office India.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bamzai, Kaveree (30 October 2006). "Bollywood hits overseas box office in 2006". India Today. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  5. "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average)". World Bank. 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  7. 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.
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  9. "KANK chosen for Tokyo film festival". Hindustan Times. 21 September 2006. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  10. 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. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Fun facts about 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'". Mid-day. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
  12. "Bollywood titles: Now a song, now a film". Khaleej Times. IANS. 11 July 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  13. 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.
  14. "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.
  15. Joshi, Namrata (5 February 2022). "The K. Jo Effect". Outlook India. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
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  26. "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.
  27. Agencies (14 January 2024). "'People said I endorsed infidelity through Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'". www.millenniumpost.in. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  28. "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.
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External links[edit | edit source]

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