Lesser-Known Facts About The Film, 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'

As the movie, 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' completed 18 years today, here are some lesser-known facts about the bitter-sweet film that will amaze you!

By Kalash Khurana

The movie's title

Initially, the movie was tilted as 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', but after Karan Johar had heard the song, 'Aisa Milan Kal Ho Naa Ho' from the film, 'Hamesha', he had changed his mind.

Role of 'Naina'

Kareena Kapoor Khan was the first choice for the role of 'Naina' in the movie. However, Bebo had demanded an exorbitant amount for the role, so KJo had chosen Preity Zinta instead.

Role of 'Rohit'

Apart from that, even Saif Ali Khan’s role in the movie was offered to actors like Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi. However, they all had declined the offer.

The shoot location

Though, the movie was shot in New York, Toronto was the first choice. Unfortunately, the makers had to change the shoot location due to the then-ongoing SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Role of 'Jennifer'

Karan Johar had first approached Ranbir Kapoor's mother, Neetu Kapoor for the role of 'Jennifer' in the film. However, that didn't work out, and eventually, Jaya Bachchan had bagged the role.

The title song

The title song of the film was composed by Loy Mendonsa while sitting with Nikhil Advani at the German Bakery in Pune. Nikhil had shared that he had wanted a tune like 'My Heart will Go On'.

'Pretty Woman'

Karan Johar had badly wanted to add Roy Orbison's song, 'Pretty Woman' in the film. So, complying with international copyright laws, KJo had bought the license to the song.

Jia's doll house

Do you remember Jia's doll and her doll house? Well, Preity Zinta had designed and modified the dresses of Jia's dolls in the film, a day before the shooting had begun.

Preity Zinta injured herself

In the beginning of the movie, we saw 'Naina' running, however, it was not Preity Zinta, but a model who jogged in front of the camera. As the actress had fallen and injured herself before the shoot.

SRK wanted to quit

Shah Rukh Khan wanted to quit the film as he had fallen sick and had a major surgery during the shooting of 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'. However, Karan Johar had insisted him and had waited for his recovery.

Karan Johar's brainchild

The film 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' was Karan Johar's idea, however, he did not direct it. Instead, Nikhil Advani had cashed the opportunity and had made a directorial debut with the film.

Reel life vs real life

In the film, we see Shah Rukh Khan suffering from cancer, and then finally dying. However, in real life, Karan Johar's dad, Yash Johar was diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalised during the shoot.

Last film produced by Yash Johar

'Kal Ho Naa Ho' was the last film produced by Karan Johar's father, Yash Johar, as he had passed away soon after.

Beginning of Arjun Kapoor's career

Bollywood actor, Arjun Kapoor had started off his journey in the world of Hindi Cinema with the film, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’. He was an Assistant Director to Karan Johar.

Telugu remake of 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'

Telugu director, Krishna Vamsi, was so impressed by the film, 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' that he had remade the movie in Telugu. The movie starred actor, Prabhas, and was named ‘Chakram’.