Yash Johar, celebrated for his visionary approach to filmmaking, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his unwavering commitment to grand and exceptional visuals. One remarkable example of his dedication is the story of how he invested Rs. 3 crore to take 52 crew members to Egypt for a single song shoot in the iconic film “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”. This extraordinary effort continues to inspire filmmakers today.
Nikkhil Advani, who served as an associate director on the film, shared this fascinating anecdote during an interview. He reflected on Yash Johar’s meticulous planning and his deep devotion to his son Karan Johar who directed the film as he said, “Imagine Yash Johar’s vision. Yash Johar’s vision was that even if there’s a blank screen for three hours after his son’s name comes up at the end of a film, people should clap. Spending Rs 3 crore on a song was nothing.”
Nikkhil Advani recounted how the scale of the Egypt shoot underscored Yash Johar’s vision. Egypt’s expansive geography required the crew to travel across distant locations, requiring the use of a Boeing 737 to shuttle the 52-member team between sites, treating the plane almost like a bus. This unparalleled approach demonstrated Yash Johar’s dedication to ensuring that every element of the film matched his high standards.
Nikkhil stated, “When we were making ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, 52 of us went to Egypt to shoot one song. It isn’t like Egypt is a small country. One location was in the west, the other was in the east. But we had a plane. A Boeing 737. It used to wait for us on the tarmac, 52 people were flying and coming back. We were using a plane like a bus. That’s what Yash Johar was like.”
Nikkhil Advani, having learned from his experiences under Yash Johar’s mentorship, now strives to instill the same work ethic and culture in his own teams. He praised Yash Johar not only for his cinematic achievements but also for his ability to foster respect and inclusivity among everyone on set, from lead actors to crew members. Nikkhil Advani said, “He would receive Shah Rukh Khan at the airport and also receive a spotboy at the airport.”
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“Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”, produced by Yash Johar under the banner of Dharma Productions, remains a landmark in Indian cinema. Directed by Karan Johar, the film brought together an ensemble cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, with Rani Mukerji making a memorable cameo appearance.
The grandeur of the film and the effort behind its creation reflect Yash Johar’s unparalleled dedication, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the world of filmmaking.
