Can you hear the college bell whistling, feel the wind blowing through those vibrant orange dupattas, and hear Rahul’s words of foreboding, “Kuch kuch hota hai, tum nahi samjhogi”? If so, congratulations- you’ve been officially struck by nostalgia, because Karan Johar’s cult classic debut film “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” is turning 27 this week ! Released October 16, 1998, the movie featured Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, with a cameo spot by Salman Khan – and became an iconic pop culture event for Indian film.
From Friendship Bands to Filmfare Glories Spanning two timelines, the movie interwove college romance, friendship, loss, and second chances all through a little girl named Anjali Jr. and letters from her deceased mother. Indian audiences were introduced to a new mantra by the movie: “Pyaar dosti hai” – Love is friendship. It wasn’t only the melodramatic storylines that captivated us – it was the unforgettable songs (still played at weddings today), the style (imagine: Kajol’s cropped hair and SRK’s GAP hoodies), and the soap-y-overt-but-likable college drama. In 1999, the movie swept the Filmfare Awards, winning 8 awards including Best Film, Best Director, and all key acting categories.
Karan Johar posted on Instagram:” 27 years back, I made a movie from the bottom of my heart. I could never have thought it would reach where it is today. Thank you for loving Rahul, Anjali, and Tina all these years. ” Still Relevant, Still relatable in the streaming era, millennials and Gen Z are both finding Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and analyzing its themes anew – critiquing its outdated gender roles, but also appreciating its emotional center and iconic narratives. The line “Tum nahi samjhogi” has even prompted memes and podcast discussions on Instagram, X and Threads.
Fun Fact Corner Rani Mukerji was the first choice for Tina’s role, which was later offered to Twinkle Khanna. Celine Dion was played in a continuous loop while Karan Johar wrote the whole script ! The film brought about a wave of friendship-themed Bollywood merchandise – do you remember the heart-shaped friendship bands?
Final Word 27 years later, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is still more than a movie – it’s an emotion. A flashback to college crushes, love letters, basketball games, and the age-old hope that perhaps. just perhaps, we’ll have another shot at love. Because all movies age. But some, they simply grow up with us. “Rahul is a cheater !” “Tujhe Yaad Na Meri Aayee” And yet. we can’t forget one single line. Happy 27th, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. You’re still making our hearts go “Kuch kuch.”
