It’s hard to believe it’s been 26 years since Karan Johar’s iconic film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai hit the silver screens back on October 16, 1998. The movie, starring the dynamic quartet of Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Salman Khan, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
In a candid interview with Humans of Bombay, the ever-charming Kajol spilled the beans on her portrayal of Anjali in the film. She revealed that her version of Anjali would never be caught dead in a traditional saree. Instead, she envisioned her character rocking track pants paired with trendy, high-end sneakers and still managing to slay the fashion game.
When asked to choose between Rahul (played by the dashing Shah Rukh Khan) and Aman (portrayed by the charming Salman Khan), Kajol confessed, “On a script level, maybe I would have leaned towards Salman’s character, but in the grand scheme of the film, the ending was already set in stone. There was no room for debate.”
Anjali’s character arc in the film is a rollercoaster of emotions. Starting off as a feisty tomboy with short hair, harboring a secret crush on her best friend Rahul, she eventually blossoms into a saree-clad beauty with flowing locks after a span of eight years.
In a surprising revelation, director Karan Johar himself admitted that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was his most “politically incorrect” creation. During a discussion at the Melbourne Film Festival, Karan shared how veteran actress Shabana Azmi had given him a piece of her mind over the phone, criticizing his portrayal of beauty standards in the film.
Shabana was quick to point out the flawed narrative of depicting a girl with short hair as unattractive, only to transform her into a vision of beauty once her hair grew out. Karan, taken aback by her blunt critique, could only offer a feeble apology, to which Shabana retorted, “Is that all you have to say?” Karan had no defense and conceded that she was absolutely right.
Despite its imperfections, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai remains a timeless romantic drama that continues to tug at heartstrings. Fueled by an ensemble cast that exudes charisma and chemistry, the film delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery. As we celebrate its 26th anniversary, let’s raise a toast to the magic of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and the memories it has etched in our souls.
