Nikkhil Advani remembers the K3G era: A personalised touch was added to each cosmetics area, such as a message pad marked “from Jaya Bachchan’s desk.”
The filming of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” is an important chapter in the history of filmmaking. One of the most extravagant productions in the Indian cinema business at the time, this family drama starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor was released in 2001. Assistant director Nikkhil Advani remembers the tales from behind the scenes with fondness and thanks producer Yash Johar for his unfailing support.
After a huge hit with “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” Karan Johar directed his second film, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.” Compared to his earlier work, this family drama had a bigger budget and scope and starred a fantastic ensemble. In an interview with Film Companion, Nikkhil Advani recalled a scene in which Yash Johar silently and without reservation accepted the suggested budget, which was a sizable sum for its time.
The filming of the song “Bole Chudiyan,” which included a large group of dancers and performers, kicked off the project. The whole Filmistan studio was hired out by the production, which briefly transformed it into Dharma Studios. The studio facilities were improved in a number of ways, including the installation of TVs and freezers as well as upgrades to the cosmetics area. A distinctive feature in every makeup area was a note pad marked “from the desk of Jaya Bachchan.”
Karan Johar passed out during shooting, underscoring the demanding work atmosphere. Later, Yash Johar expressed worry about the growing art expense and reminded Nikkhil Advani of the original budget estimate. Yash Johar gave the order to continue with the production in spite of the inconsistencies.
The difficulties didn’t stop with the film’s production; when talks to release the movie via a big studio broke down, Yash Johar was left to handle its own distribution. Notwithstanding the obstacles, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” along with “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kal Ho Na Ho,” grew to be one of the cornerstones of Dharma Productions.
