Karan Johar’s ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ was one of Bollywood’s boldest takes on modern relationships. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, it tackled infidelity and portrayed its leads in morally grey shades, a daring move that sparked debate. The film faced backlash on release, dividing audiences and critics, and underperformed compared to typical SRK blockbusters.
Nearly two decades later, Rani Mukerji—fresh off her first National Award win, reflected on ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' in a conversation with ANI. She admitted the film may not have connected with audiences then because “India wasn’t ready for it.” Rani added that being part of a project ahead of its time is rewarding, as such films “speak to the nation even before it’s ready to face the truth” and can spark change.
She further noted that the story struck a nerve by mirroring reality too closely: “Infidelity was happening, and it made people uncomfortable because it reflected their own truth. It’s always difficult to confront that, and when it plays out on screen, it gives you a jolt.”
This isn’t the first time Rani Mukerji has spoken about the film’s impact. At a Goa film festival two years ago, she revealed that ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ left audiences deeply unsettled, even influencing many to reconsider their marriages. “There were a lot of divorces after the film. People watched it in extreme discomfort, and that was the feedback Karan received—it opened many eyes and pushed people to choose happiness,” she said.
On the work front, Rani is gearing up for ‘Mardaani 3’, slated for release early next year, and is reportedly set to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming project ‘King’.
