Kal Ho Naa Ho clocks 20 years today. Released at the start of this century in 2003, the love triangle that has all the regular masala of romance, sacrifice, melodious songs and a wonderful star cast to date has remained fresh in the minds of the audience. As usual the charm of Shah Rukh Khan (Aman) and the boyish exuberance of Saif Ali Khan (Rohit) makes you feel like watching movie more whereas dimple girl Preity Zinta as Naina, the uptight MBA from New York delivers all the nuances and expressions of a girl coming from a disturbed and struggling family.
As expected both Aman and Rohit end up falling in love with Naina while the girl herself is in love with Aman and tells her feelings to Rohit instead. Now this is all confusion but handled delicately and very effectively by the director Nikkhil Advani as the story takes predicted twists and turns. Since Aman is suffering from cancer he lies about his marriage to a doctor Priya and that diverts Naina towards Rohit and they come closer.
However, in the end everyone knows the truth putting both Naina and Rohit at cross-roads. The songs penned by Javed Akhtar, especially the title song “Kal Ho Naa Ho” is one of the best ones from Sonu Nigam and is very special for the lessons it gives about living life.
Reportedly, Karan Johar who produced this film under the banner of Dharma Productions wanted Kareena Kapoor Khan to play the role of Naina but since there were differences regarding the commercial aspect, the role went to Preity Zinta who never made you miss Bebo a bit. Jaya Bachchan as the widowed Jennifer after portraying the traditional Nandini KJO’s Kabhi Khuhsi Kabhi Gham was quite a surprise and aced the character.
Overall it was a very sweet movie that even today is worth watchable especially for romantic hearts and makes you feel nostalgic whenever songs like “Pretty woman” are played out at events and weddings.