Preity Zinta’s performance as Naina Catherine Kapur in the beloved 2003 film Kal Ho Naa Ho continues to resonate deeply with audiences, decades after its release. The story follows Naina, a reserved Indian-American woman navigating life in New York, whose world is transformed after meeting her exuberant neighbor, Aman Mathur, played by Shah Rukh Khan. While the film is celebrated for its humor, romance, and emotional depth, it is Aman’s death scene that has left a lasting impact, often bringing viewers to tears.
Recently, Preity Zinta shared that the scene still moves her to this day—not just because of its dramatic gravity, but because it echoes a personal tragedy. Responding to a fan’s heartfelt message on X that praised her portrayal and admitted to crying “like a kid” during the film, the actress revealed the deeper reason the moment affects her so profoundly.
“Yes, I cry when I see it, and I cried when we were filming it too! My first love died in a car crash, so this film always hit different. Fun Fact – Most scenes, all actors cried naturally…. And Aman’s death scene had everyone crying in front of the camera and behind it too!” she wrote in her reply.
Directed by Nikkhil Advani and produced by Karan Johar, Kal Ho Naa Ho also starred Saif Ali Khan and has since become a cornerstone in all three actors’ filmographies. Its re-release in theatres last year rekindled the emotional connection fans have with the film, sparking renewed admiration and even discussions about a possible sequel. But director Nikkhil Advani, in a conversation with casting director Mukesh Chhabra, put those hopes to rest by stating that a sequel is not being planned and should not be made, emphasizing the film’s singular place in cinematic history.
For Preity Zinta, however, the legacy of Kal Ho Naa Ho goes beyond cinematic acclaim—it remains intertwined with a piece of her own heart, forever etched into the tears she sheds each time she watches it.
