Karan Johar directed Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa was way ahead of its times. It had a very big star cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Kirron Kher and Arjun Rampal.
The songs were beautiful but the movie was not a big hit because its subject was not understood by many at that time. And those who did understand what it was all about did act upon it.
At least that was what Rani Mukerji, the leading lady of the film said recently. According to Rani Mukerji, “I think what happened with ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ is, after the film there were a lot of divorces. A lot of people were going to the theatres and watching the movie in extreme discomfort. Because nobody wants to face the reality of their lives. And that is the feedback Karan Johar got.”
The actress who played the role of Maya in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa opened up about the movie at the IFFI in Goa and said, “With KANK it was important about what a woman wants and what is the woman’s choice. Just because a husband does not beat you does not mean that he is really good in bed or is in love with you.”
Rani Mukerji said that people give very less importance when it comes to women in love. More often what is important is that the family and whether the man is settled and if he comes from a good family or not. But no one talks about the physical chemistry that is so important in a marriage. Rani said, “A man can choose what he wants but a woman is never allowed or asked-are you attracted to this man, would you like to marry him?”
Elaborating about her role of Maya in the movie and what she loved about it Rani said that she loved Rishi-her husband in KANA (Abhishek Bachchan) but as a friend. However, she found romance in Dev (Shah Rukh Khan) which was missing in her marriage with Rishi. The actress said that it was a very bold movie made by Karan Johar at a time when he did not know what was going on.
She emphasized 'that is why it is important to stand by strong roles and strong movies even though it may not get the audience you expect'.