Karan Johar celebrates 19 years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, writes, "absolute honour of having such terrific people on set with me to make a story that was bold"

Karan Johar celebrates 19 years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, writes, "absolute honour of having such terrific people on set with me to make a story that was bold"

It’s been 19 years since Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK) graced cinema halls, and the filmmaker marked the milestone with a heartfelt Instagram tribute. Sharing a series of behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos and a special video, KJo reminisced about creating one of his most emotionally charged films alongside a powerhouse cast.

In his post, Karan wrote, “Some love stories transcend time and still hold all the power they once did… KANK for me will always be that. My third film in and I was moved again by the absolute honour of having such terrific people on set with me to make a story that was bold… brave and full of only heart.” He tagged the film’s stellar ensemble — Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, and Kirron Kher — along with the official Dharma Productions account.

The BTS stills were a treasure trove for fans. One captured Shah Rukh Khan playfully closing the mouth of his on-screen son, portrayed by Ahsaas Channa, while KJo looked on with amused surprise. Another showed Karan sharing a warm laugh with Abhishek Bachchan, while Preity Zinta was seen smiling at a bunch of flowers. Rani Mukerji and SRK shared a tender, romantic moment in one frame, while another iconic shot paired SRK with Amitabh Bachchan. A candid embrace between Abhishek and Preity, coupled with KJo animatedly speaking to them, added to the collection’s charm. The highlight was a video of the full cast together, featuring SRK humorously mimicking the legendary Dev Anand, sparking smiles all around.

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Released in 2006, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna broke away from the conventional mould of Bollywood romance. Venturing into the sensitive territory of marital discord, extramarital affairs, and the pursuit of true emotional connection, the film stirred intense debate at the time. Many hailed its performances — especially those of SRK and Rani — as some of their most nuanced, while others appreciated Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s soulful soundtrack, which remains timeless.

Though divisive upon release, KANK has since cemented itself as one of Karan Johar’s most talked-about works. Its exploration of love’s complexities and the courage to address taboo subjects gave it a lasting cultural footprint.