The filmmaker opens up about his emotional fallout with Karan Johar, strained relationships with Anil Kapoor and Govinda, and the lessons he learned from the industry.
January 2, 2025: Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, known for his directorial debut Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), recently shared insights about his tumultuous relationships within Bollywood. In an interview with Hindi Rush, Nikkhil opened up about his emotional fallout with Karan Johar and his decade-long silence with Anil Kapoor and Govinda.
The Fallout with Karan Johar:
Nikkhil revealed that after the success of Kal Ho Naa Ho, there was confusion over credit and recognition. He admitted feeling hurt when others suggested he wasn’t being acknowledged for his contributions. On the other hand, Karan Johar felt Nikkhil was receiving more credit than deserved.
“It wasn’t a creative clash; it was more of an emotional fallout. We were very close, and it felt like a betrayal to me. But now, 20 years later, we’ve moved past it. Both of us have grown, and our bond has strengthened,” Nikkhil said.
Strained Bonds with Anil Kapoor and Govinda:
Nikkhil also shared that he didn’t speak to Anil Kapoor and Govinda for nearly a decade. While he didn’t delve into the details of their fallout, he emphasised that time and maturity healed those wounds.
“There were years when people stopped taking my calls because my films weren’t performing well. But bonds like the one I share with John Abraham remain strong because we talk about things beyond films—politics, fitness, and food,” he added.
Lessons Learned:
Nikkhil pointed out how strong industry friendships, like Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty or Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, and Shah Rukh Khan, serve as examples of enduring collaborations.
Future Projects:
Nikkhil’s latest film, Vedaa, starring John Abraham and Sharvari, underperformed at the box office. He blamed its clash with Stree 2 for the setback.
Despite the ups and downs, Nikkhil remains optimistic and continues to believe in his craft, hoping to make a strong comeback with his next project.
Tags:
Nikkhil Advani, Karan Johar, Bollywood Feuds, Anil Kapoor, Govinda, John Abraham, Bollywood Friendships, Bollywood Fallout, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Bollywood Relationships.
