In a recent interview, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani revealed an unexpected chapter from the making of the beloved film Kal Ho Naa Ho. While the movie went on to become a timeless classic, Shah Rukh Khan’s initial involvement in the project faced a major obstacle — his severe back injury.
Shah Rukh’s Tough Decision
According to Advani, after shooting just one scene for Kal Ho Naa Ho, Shah Rukh Khan realized that his back injury — sustained during the shoot for Duplicate or another project — had become too severe to continue working. He immediately called Nikkhil and producer Karan Johar to inform them of his predicament.
In a vulnerable moment, Shah Rukh suggested that they replace him with Salman Khan to continue the film without delay. He even offered to make a call to Salman himself to facilitate the change. Shah Rukh’s concern was that the film might be delayed due to his recovery, which would have taken up to six months.
Filmmakers Stand By Shah Rukh
Despite the tough situation, Nikkhil Advani and Karan Johar made the decision to stand by Shah Rukh. Instead of recasting the role, they agreed to delay the shoot and patiently waited for him to recover. Shah Rukh Khan underwent surgery in Germany, followed by a recovery period of six months.
The Unforgettable Role of Aman
The film’s diary scene, which was the first Shah Rukh shot, was initially filmed differently but was later reshot at a train station. Once Khan returned to set after his recovery, he delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career as Aman, the character who taught audiences the importance of cherishing every moment. His portrayal, blending humor, empathy, and warmth, turned Aman into a character that still resonates with audiences today.
Had Shah Rukh not returned, we might have seen Salman Khan in the role, but we’re undoubtedly grateful that Shah Rukh made the remarkable recovery and brought the iconic character of Aman to life.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.