The making of the iconic family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) involved more drama than just the on-screen narrative. Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who worked as an assistant director on the film, recently shared fascinating anecdotes about the challenges producer Yash Johar faced while mounting this extravagant project.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was over-budget by Rs 30 cr, claims Nikkhil Advani; reveals Karan Johar “fainted” on first day
As Karan Johar’s second directorial venture following the blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was envisioned on a grand scale. Featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor, the film naturally demanded a hefty budget.
In an interview with Film Companion, Nikkhil recalled the initial budget proposal: “We proposed a giant budget of Rs 24.5 crore, which included Rs 3 crore just for art direction!” Yash Johar received the proposal and simply pocketed the document without comment.
The film’s lavishness became evident on the first day of shooting itself. Nikkhil describes the scene: “We had taken over Filmistan Studio, all ten floors, with 200 dancers, 300 junior artists, and the entire star cast filming ‘Bole Chudiyan.'” The studio transformation extended to individual comfort as well. Nikkhil mentions, “We had painted the makeup rooms, re-done the bathrooms… even had MF Hussain prints, fridges, TVs, and cable.”
However, the mounting expenses soon caught up. Nikkhil recounts an encounter with Yash Johar where the producer reveals the initial budget proposal. He jokingly highlights the overrun, stating, “Art budget was Rs 3 crore for the entire film, you have spent Rs 3.6 crore on one set!” Yash then playfully tore the paper.
Financing the film proved to be another hurdle. Despite a close associate’s reluctance to invest further, Yash Johar ultimately decided to self-distribute Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Thus, the film’s final budget reached a staggering Rs 54.5 crore, as claimed by Nikkhil.
Nikkhil concluded the film’s lasting impact by saying, “Dharma Productions stands on the shoulders of three films – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Na Ho.”
More Pages: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Box Office Collection , Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Movie Review
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