Synopsis

Never Say Goodbye, the only Bollywood film presented at this year's JIMFF, is the story of Dev and Maya who happen to fall for each other in New York City. Married to successful magazine editor Rhea, Dev is a professional football player whose promising career is nipped in the bud after an accident. Maya teaches at a nursery and has married her longtime friend Rishi, who is a PR consultant. The surface contentment of the two couples begins to fall apart when a chance encounter between Dev and Maya brings the two closer together. Karan Johar, son of Bollywood master Yash Johar, entered the Indian film industry at an early age and proved his talents as a director, writer, actor, and TV host. His third film Never Say Goodbye is the latest exhibit of his burgeoning talent. Asking what happens when you meet the love of your life when it's too late, the film transcends the cliché of sacrificing the thrill of romance for the security of family. The film cleverly balances between conservative and a rather liberated mindset and takes us on an emotional rollercoaster of joy and bitterness. This emotional drama -- infused with the bliss of the Bollywood musical dance number -- shocked and challenged Indian filmgoers with its unflinching look at the uncomfortable subject of adultery. An A-list cast includes Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, and Abhishek Bachchan.

Director

Karan Johar

Born in 1972 in India, Karan Johar naturally began his career in films, thanks to his producer father Yash Johar. Now a famous director, producer, and actor in India, he gained major success both commercially and critically with his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and the family comedy Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). He is also known as a talk show host and the master of ceremonies at various award shows. In 2006, he was selected as one of the 'Global Young Leaders' by the World Economic Forum, joining 250 of the most influential young leaders around the world.