More than two decades have passed since Karan Johar’s cult classic, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, took the box office by storm and redefined Bollywood romance. The 1988 film still holds a large fanbase, but for Kajol, it would have been a subject of mockery had it been shot today. In a recent interview, the Maa actress admitted that if the film were made today, audiences would probably laugh it off for its outdated gender norms and problematic love arc.
Kajol says people would laugh if KKHH were made today
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Kajol became candid in sharing her take on the 1988 romantic drama, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, but from a modern lens. The actress, who played ‘Anjali’ in the film, shared that while the film was made mainly for entertainment, it would not work in the modern lens as a reflection of society. The actress was quoted as saying:
“We made that film only for entertainment. And, I feel that films reflect society. That is exactly what Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was. People thought like that at that point in time. Agar aaj KKHH banaane jaate toh we would be laughed out.”
Reflecting on how drastically societal standards have shifted since the film’s release, Kajol highlighted how the narrative would likely unfold in reverse if made today. Speaking of her character, ‘Anjali’, and her chemistry with ‘Rahul’ (Shah Rukh Khan), the actress pointed out how, if it were made today, Shah Rukh’s character would have started liking ‘Anjali’ by seeing her playing basketball in her ‘tomboy cut.’ She shared:
“That tomboy cut would probably be part of the second half. Pehle saree mein thi toh pasand nahi aayi thi, uske baad, when she started playing basketball and became cool, is when he starts liking her. It would be the opposite, rather than this way round.”
Was KKHH a ’90s blockbuster with a flawed character arc?
In the same conversation, Kajol did not mince her words when she pointed out the problematic character arcs in the iconic film. The actress reflected that while Kuch Kuch Hota Hai resonated well with the audience back then, the film’s core romantic arc was flawed by today’s standards.
“Kuch Kuch Hota Hai uss waqt ke liye sahi thi. If we did it today or point out what was right or wrong, shayad hum galat hain usmein.”
About the film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
While the film might have some glaring problems when seen from today’s lens, when it was released, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was a defining moment in Bollywood. Made during Karan Johar’s prime, the film had everything, from chart-topping songs, glamorous makeovers, emotional twists, and a love triangle that still triggers nostalgia. Starring Kajol as ‘Anjali’, Shah Rukh Khan as ‘Rahul’ and Rani Mukerji as ‘Tina’, KKHH became the highest-grossing Hindi movie of 1998.
Kajol’s professional front
On the work front, Kajol has been busy promoting her latest release, Maa, a mythological horror drama that is currently running in the theatres. She is now gearing up for her upcoming OTT film, Sarzameen, alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan. The film is slated to stream on JioHotstar from July 25, 2025.
Do you agree with Kajol’s remarks on the flawed character arc of the ’90s classic, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
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