Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham remains one of the most loved Hindi films even after twenty five years. Directed by Karan Johar, the film featured an ensemble cast rarely seen at that time. The story, scale, music, and emotional depth made it a landmark family drama.
The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Jaya Bachchan, Kajol, and Kareena Kapoor. Lavish locations and soulful music added to its grand appeal. It was Karan Johar’s second directorial venture after his debut film.
The Song That Defined Grandeur
Among the many memorable moments, one song stood apart in scale and impact. The track Bole Chudiyan Bole Kangana featured the entire cast together. The song became an instant classic and remains popular across generations. However, few know that the cost of this single song exceeded the entire planned budget of the film.
This surprising revelation was shared by writer and director Nikhil Advani during a recent conversation. His account revealed how filmmaking once ran on passion rather than spreadsheets.
A Film Budget Decided in Minutes
Nikhil Advani recalled that budgeting practices were very different then. Today, films rely on detailed financial planning and long approval cycles. During that period, decisions were faster and driven by belief in the story.
When the script of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was narrated to Yash Johar, things moved quickly. Yash Johar called Nikhil to his office and asked him to write the film’s budget. Nikhil wrote a figure of three crore rupees on a paper and handed it over. Yash Johar approved it instantly. The film went on floors without further discussion.
Bole Chudiyan Was the First Set
According to Nikhil Advani, the first set created for the film was Bole Chudiyan. The pressure on the set was immense. It was the first major shoot and expectations were high. Karan Johar wanted nothing short of perfection and scale.
There were several challenges during filming. Kajol faced issues with her heavy lehenga and found it difficult to dance. The set had around two hundred dancers and nearly three hundred junior artists. Managing such a large crowd required precision and patience.
Grandeur Came at a Heavy Cost
The production team even custom made chandeliers for the set. Nothing was sourced casually. Everything had to look royal and larger than life. Karan Johar wanted visual richness in every frame.
The workload and pressure took a toll. Nikhil recalled that Karan Johar fainted on the set during the shoot. The scale of the song was unprecedented for that time. Every detail demanded time, money, and energy.
One Song Cost More Than the Film Budget
The most shocking moment came during a tea break that evening. Yash Johar called the team and asked about the film’s budget. Nikhil said he could not remember the exact figure. Yash Johar pulled out the paper where three crore rupees were written.
He read the amount aloud and then revealed that the Bole Chudiyan set alone had already crossed that figure. The cost of one song had exceeded the entire approved budget of the film.
Yash Johar then tore the paper and told the team to continue making the film. There was no panic or anger. It was a moment that defined the filmmaking spirit of that era.
Passion Over Profit in Old Bollywood
Nikhil Advani described that time as an era driven by obsession with cinema. Filmmakers were ready to risk everything for their vision. Yash Johar was willing to sell his own house to complete a film if required.
Similar stories were associated with legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. That generation believed in storytelling above financial safety. Films were made with emotional investment, not just monetary planning.
A Legacy Continued by the Next Generation
Nikhil Advani believes that only a few filmmakers today can bring back that spirit. He named Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar as torchbearers of that legacy. According to him, both understand cinema beyond numbers and charts.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham stands as proof of that mindset. Despite budget overruns, the film became a massive success. Its songs, dialogues, and characters are still remembered.
Why the Film Still Connects Today
The film worked because it balanced grandeur with emotion. Audiences connected with its family values and conflicts. Music played a crucial role in its lasting popularity. Bole Chudiyan became a cultural symbol of celebration and togetherness.
Even today, the song is played at weddings and family functions. Its visual scale still feels rich, despite changing cinematic standards.
An Unforgettable Chapter in Bollywood History
The story behind Bole Chudiyan reveals how cinema once thrived on instinct and courage. It reflects a time when filmmakers trusted their vision completely. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is not just a film. It is a reminder of an era when passion ruled Bollywood.
That one song crossing the entire film budget remains one of the most fascinating stories from Hindi cinema. It explains why the film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.
