Filmmaker Karan Johar is set to revisit one of his most debated films, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, this time in a new format. The director has confirmed that the 2006 drama is being adapted into a long-form series, signalling a fresh exploration of its themes for today’s audience.

Karan Johar recalls backlash to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, weeks after announcing its series adaptation Nazdeekiyan: "People asked me whether I was unwell after that film"

Karan Johar recalls backlash to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, weeks after announcing its series adaptation Nazdeekiyan: “People asked me whether I was unwell after that film”

Speaking in a recent interview with The Week, Johar shared, “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, we are adapting it into a long-form series. It was released in 2006 to very polarised responses. I had many people come up to me and ask me whether I was unwell after that film because they said, ‘How can you endorse infidelity?’ And I was like, ‘How can you endorse something that’s already sold out?’.”

The original film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta, sparked intense conversations at the time of its release. It tackled extramarital relationships and emotional dissatisfaction within marriages, subjects that were not commonly addressed in mainstream Hindi cinema then. While the film found critical appreciation, it also drew criticism for its portrayal of infidelity.

This comes after Karan Johar announced Nazdeekiyan, an upcoming contemporary drama series produced by Dharmatic Entertainment. It was announced as part of Prime Video’s 2026 India slate. Directed by Ruchir Arun, the web show will star Taha Shah Badussha (who rose to fame in Heeramandi), Nikita Dutta, Paresh Pahuja, and Aakanksha Singh.

Reflecting on the response to the film, Johar also recalled his mother Hiroo Johar’s reaction in an earlier conversation. “She was silent after KANK. She walked out and didn’t say anything. One week later, she asked me, ‘Can you explain why you had to be so extreme with the subject?’ I said it’s my belief. She said I won’t say anything. But when I saw it, I got very scared. That’s what she said. She’s very honest with me.”

He has described his mother as his “conscience” and “biggest critic,” adding that her opinions continue to hold importance in his life and work.