When there was a difference of opinion with Karan Johar, he saw bad times: When he stopped getting films, Salman gave support; Nikhil Advani does not forget Akshay’s words

Nikhil Advani made his directorial debut with the film Kal Ho Na Ho.

Filmmaker Nikhil Advani, who made films like Kal Ho Na Ho, Salaam-e-Ishq, Chandni Chowk to China and Batla House, was once a very good friend of Karan Johar. Both of them made many films together. However, after Kal Ho Na Ho, there were differences between the two. After this Nikhil stopped getting films.

After three years, Salman gave him a chance to direct the film ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’, which helped Nikhil get back on track. Nikhil then started working with Akshay Kumar. Akshay gave Nikhil a special mantra in life which he is unable to forget till date. Nikhil exclusively told Dainik Bhaskar that at one time people from the industry did not pick up his calls, today they answer immediately.

Why did there be a dispute between Karan Johar and Nikhil?
Nikhil Advani and Karan Johar were school friends. Nikhil worked as an assistant director in many of Karan’s films. In 2003, Karan gave Nikhil the opportunity to direct a full-fledged film for the first time.

This film was Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta starrer ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’. After its release the film proved to be a huge hit. The film received two National Awards and several Filmfare Awards. This was the highest grossing film of that year. However, after this there was an ego clash between Karan Johar and Nikhil over some issue. Nikhil parted ways with Dharma Productions. Because of this, Nikhil had no work for three years.

After leaving Dharma Productions, Nikhil started his own production house Emma Entertainment.

Karan Johar had written in his book An Unsuitable Boy that he would regret throughout his life why he did not direct a film like ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’.

Salman placed his hand on me in difficult times – Nikhil
Nikhil said, ‘After making Kal Ho Na, there was a dispute between me and Karan Johar. I had stopped getting films. At that time Salman Khan placed his hand on me. He gave me a chance to direct Salaam-e-Ishq.

We had worked together on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s time. We both were familiar with each other to a great extent. Because of Salman Khan, big stars like Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Govinda worked in Salaam-e-Ishq. If Salman says yes to a film, then the star cast of the film automatically gets ready to work.

At the time of Salaam-e-Ishq, an opinion was formed about me that I cannot make a love story. I wanted to prove to people that I can make not just one but many love story films. This was the intention behind doing Salaam-e-Ishq.

Nikhil Advani has always believed that Salman has a big role in taking his career forward.

Nikhil Advani does not forget what Akshay Kumar said
Referring to the role of Akshay Kumar in Nikhil Advani’s life, he said, ‘Akshay Kumar had told me one thing. Akshay said how many numbers will be there in your phone. I call him Seth ji. I said, Seth ji, there must be numbers of about 500 people.

Then Akshay said that out of those 500 people, how many people do you talk to every month. I said that I talk to at least 50 people. Then he asked how many people do you talk to in a week?

I said I would talk to about 10 people. Then he asked how many people do you call in a day? I said I would talk to two to three people. Akshay said that only these two-three people are your own. Forget the rest. Never let these two-three people separate from you.

In most of the films that Nikhil has made, a big star cast has been seen. This picture is from the time of promotion of Akshay Kumar’s film Patiala House.

Industry people used to not pick up the phone earlier, now they answer immediately
The stagnation that came after Kal Ho Naa Ho, perhaps it was because of this stagnation that Nikhil Advani was able to move forward so much. He said, ‘If that obstacle had not come in life, perhaps I would not have been here in this situation today.

There was a time when people in the industry would not pick up my calls. Today if I call any actor or producer, they will definitely receive. Even if he doesn’t understand what I say, he will definitely talk to me. Maybe it was not like this earlier.

It feels bad when a film gets ruined
Nikhil further said, ‘Producers-directors who say that they are not concerned about box office numbers are lying. When you read reviews in the morning on the day of a film’s release, it feels very bad when people trash your film. Therefore, at that time you should have good people, so that they can become your support system in that situation.

Nikhil admits that when his films get bad reviews, it is a bit difficult for him to face that time.

Relations between Karan and Nikhil have now improved
Nikhil Advani said that the differences between him and Karan Johar are now over. Nikhil said, ‘Both of us have moved forward now. We both respect each other’s work. Whenever Karan picks up my phone, I definitely inform about it on Twitter.

He has taken Dharma Productions to great heights. Wherever his father Yash Johar is, he must be proud of his son. I hope Karan also thinks well of our production house.

Nikhil used to watch movies instead of going to college.
Nikhil Advani had to do filmmaking from the beginning. Instead of going to college, he preferred watching movies. Nikhil says, ‘I was not good at studies at all. I had failed in 12th. These days a film has also come with the same name.

I did not go to college, watched movies all day long. At that time I had decided that I have to work in this field. Then I met Saeed Mirza (veteran director). I assisted him. Then I met Sudhir Mishra and from there doors started opening for me.

Nikhil Advani has completed thirty years in the industry. He worked as an assistant director for 10 years. After this, he made films as a producer and director for the next 20 years. Nikhil Advani is soon bringing the film ‘Veda’ with John Abraham.