Karan Johar directorial Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) wasn’t just a film – it was an entire era! From Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic “Pyaar dosti hai” philosophy to Kajol’s legendary tomboy-to-diva transformation, and Rani Mukerji making mini skirts a Bollywood staple, this movie defined an entire generation. Even decades later, Rahul, Anjali, and Tina’s love triangle still lives rent-free in our hearts. But while we continue to celebrate this cinematic masterpiece, KJo himself is now admitting that some moments in the film are a little cringe!
Karan Johar Admits KKHH Had Some ‘Cringe-Worthy’ Moments
The man who made Kuch Kuch Hota Hai the ultimate Bollywood love story is now looking back and questioning some of its gender politics. In a recent chat with YouTuber and comedian Lilly Singh, Karan got real about how he now critically evaluates his own work and recognizes that certain moments in the film might not hold up today.
“I take great pride in the love I’ve received, but I also critically evaluate the gender politics, some aspects of communication, and certain cringe-worthy moments in the film,” KJo admitted. Let’s be honest – who didn’t raise an eyebrow at the idea that Anjali needed to ditch her sporty look and embrace sarees to win Rahul’s heart?
When Shabana Azmi Gave KJo A Reality Check!
Turns out, Karan Johar’s realization didn’t just happen overnight. He revealed that legendary actress Shabana Azmi schooled him on the film’s gender dynamics way back when it first released!
“She called to congratulate me on my debut, but she also posed some pointed questions. Her first question was,” KJo recalled. While at the time he hadn’t thought about it deeply, he now acknowledges that the film had “some latent hypocrisy” and that he was simply mirroring the kind of cinema he grew up watching.
The Real Reason Karan Made Kuch kuch hota hai
Beyond love stories and ‘90s fashion goals, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was actually a deeply personal project for Karan Johar. He confessed that his main goal wasn’t to make a socially conscious film but to revive his father Yash Johar’s production house.
I wanted to create a massive hit because my father, who was well-loved, faced challenges with a string of unsuccessful productions. We went through tough times,” he explained. “My focus was on making a blockbuster, not on contributing to society or creating politically correct narratives that could leave a significant impression on audiences,” he shared. Mission definitely accomplished! KKHH wasn’t just a hit – it became one of the most iconic Bollywood films of all time.
Fast forward to today, and Karan Johar is still delivering cinematic magic – only now, with a sharper lens on storytelling. His latest directorial, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), was all about breaking stereotypes and redefining romance, proving that KJo has come a long way since the days of Rahul mansplaining love and friendship.
While Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will always be a Bollywood classic, even its creator now agrees that love stories can evolve, and so should the way we tell them.
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