Movie Time: 25 Years of “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”

We are already 2 months into 2024 but my year just began when I found myself typing this for a new blog post. To be honest, the idea to write a piece for my blog has been on and off almost every day and finally, here I am.

A few days ago, it was Valentine’s Day! A day when couples are over the moon in every nook and corner and the rest cringing almost to anything and everything that is pink and has hearts. Well, to me Valentine’s Day is all about fascination and I just LOVE Love. This year, the day fell on a working-Wednesday. I began my day in red, wished a few mutuals online and offline. After work, I ordered myself some food and decided to sit for a movie. Despite being an annual subscriber of Netflix, I hardly had the time to watch anything but F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Being the day of love, I was up for some romance. I browsed through a few picks and finally decided to opt for one of the classics, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. (Playing the title track instrumental)

People who know me or follow me on my social media must be well aware that I just love Shah Rukh Khan a little too much. Though I never got to follow a lot of Bollywood movies, I always had an eye on his releases. If I can be more accurate, I remember going head over heels for DON (2006) which eventually made me watch the movie an unhealthy number of times. Even till this date, I tend to search for the movie’s playlist and binge watch some of the stellar scenes available on YouTube. My initial journey with the actor was undeniably for his good looks and the charm he had on-screen. As years went on, it was more than the visuals. It was the characters that he brought to screen. The characters who can be a comfort, a home and solace to many young women like me. Personally, movies like Devadas (2002), Om Shanti Om (2007), Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), Chennai Express (2013) and Dear Zindagi (2016) gave me some of the best versions of SRK I needed while growing up and even today. 

From rooting for Kolkata Knight Riders despite being a Madrasi, pleading my parents to upgrade their mobiles to Nokia Lumia to now, saving up for Realme 11 pro and praying to interview him one day; my craze has traveled all the way. Even my Instagram algorithm got very used the fact that it keeps spamming me then and there with some noteworthy reels of the actor. Naturally, I ended up with a few classic movies’ clips and got introduced to the evergreen, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I read numerous posts and comments gushing about how the movie has set a whole new standard for Bollywood romance and Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Mukherjee being praised as Bollywood’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Yes, I agree, it does sound dramatic but trust me, maybe it is worth the hype. 

The tagline “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” has been in my blood for almost two decades due to its countless references in movies through the years and short video clips on social media have already spoiled me enough. By this time, I almost know what happens in the 3-hour movie. Nevertheless, I had two things - to relish Shah Rukh’s romance and understand what this trio’s hype is all about. So, here is a 5-minute read of me sharing my personal experience while watching the 25-year-old classic.

The Movie (Spoiler Alert):

All excited for the college romance, I swiftly skipped the intertitle only to find Shah Rukh Khan in his white with teary eyes, mourning before his beloved’s cremation. In the next few minutes, we understand that Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Tina (Rani Mukhrjee) have had a lovely yet very brief marital relationship. Both are to be parents and Tina, understanding her little time to live, decides to pen down eight letters for her daughter, each to be read on her birthday. Tina’s last wish or demise may not have a huge impact initially but when you are done with the first half of the movie, you will understand why she wanted her daughter to be named Anjali and why she was “sorry”. 

Eight years later, we are introduced to an eight-year-old energetic and bubbling girl named Anjali (Sana Saeed). She is pampered by her father and grandmother and grows up to be a fun loving and media enthusiast, who aspires to be a Video Jockey just like her role model, Neelam. Growing under the care of Rahul, she seems to enjoy the most but still misses mom. Rahul and Anjali have one of the idealistic father-daughter relationships. Anjali has to be more than a daughter, to Rahul she is his child, best friend and a partner. At this point, it makes sense why Anjali seems to be more mature for an eight-year-old. 

The clock strikes 12 o'clock midnight and it's Anjali’s eight birthday. The final letter from Tina finally reaches her, which means it is time for us to sit back and go down the memory lane. The scene shifts to a green college campus where we spot Rahul in his 20s and his best friend, Anjali (Kajol). The duo is dynamic, loves basketball and share an interesting chemistry. Anjali Sharma is more of a tomboy, realistic and empathetic on the other hand, we have Rahul Khana is undeniably the campus’ lover boy, shallow and (nervously types) at times rude. Despite being extreme opposites, they manage to have a healthy relationship. Together, their love language is dissing each other, and it looks like the entire campus enjoys them. When things seem to be at its best, we have another pretty face to join the clan. It’s the enticing Principal’s daughter from the Oxford University, London, Tina Malhotra, who straight away becomes the college’s sweetheart. Tina’s sophisticated looks obviously gets Rahul smitten and both starts showing interest in each other. 

In due course of time the duo becomes a trio and later it is all about Tina and Rahul creating their own bubble when Anjali feels kicked out. Though we are well aware that Rahul is going to end up with Anjali in the climax, one can’t help but feel sorry for Anjali when she constantly feels inferior by comparing herself with Tina. Following a few events, Tina learns that Rahul is more of a softie who secretly and religiously visits temple every Wednesday and has a brief heart-to-heart romance when he drops by her home which eventually inflates her feelings towards him. We find her being hesitant then and there for coming between the two but eventually, Rahul ends up confessing and she agrees. The movie does not give you much time to enjoy the love triangle as Anjali being hurt by her abandoned first love decides to leave. We see her boarding a train; leaving behind her best friend a.k.a first love and a good friend.

Ten years later, here we are with little Anjali and Tina’s letter requesting her daughter to find Anjali and bring her back. Bring her father’s best friend and soulmate whom he has been missing for almost a decade now. The next half of the movie is us joining little Anjali on her quest to find Anjali, but things are not that simple as Anjali is now engaged and is to be betrothed to Aman (Salman Khan). The little girl along with her grandmother plan to attend a summer camp where Anjali is to act as a tutor. 

The actual Anjali has grown up in the past ten years and looks more feminine and pretty draped in a saree. The time during the camp is fun with little Anjali enjoying herself. Soon enough, Anjali finds out that the little girl is actually Tina’s daughter and things get spiced up when Rahul makes a visit to the camp. Now, THIS! This is my most favourite scene of the entire movie, when Rahul and Anjali meet after ten years. I agree, there have been numerous times where I felt the movie lagged a bit and even felt cliche but for this, I am down. (Where are the tissues?) Seriously, the duo was so good and the background music. Oh My! I Can't! You have to witness it yourself. 

Though the duo acts awkward initially, they soon patch up with a basketball match. Then we have my favourite musical number, “Ladki Badi AnjaniHai”. Okay, I know that the entire playlist is an ever-green set of songs, but I am a little upset that people don't rave much about “Ladki Badi Anjani Hai” as they do for the title track. I am more sentimental with the former (sobs). I almost cried my eyes out when the song’s outro was fused with a bit of “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. Like please, don’t come near me. The way Shah Rukh and Kajol looked at eachother and realised their feelings for each other. GAWD! My heart is still there. The picture seemed perfect with Rahul, Anjali and little Anjali coming together as a family but, Karan Johar does not want us to be at peace that easily. Aman visits! (Whyyyy?) He is here to take Anjali with him and he does. At this point you might ask me why Rahul and Anjali didn’t confess. Well, they are not college students anymore and things are obviously more twisted. Back at Anjali’s home, the family has started making wedding preparations and the event seemed to be a bit hurried according to Anjali’s instructions. 

Now, we just want things to end quickly… I really don’t have the energy for another complicated triangular love story… As expected, Aman gets to know about Anjali’s love for Rahul from little Anjali and he decides to let her go. When the marriage is at its edge of happening, Rahul becomes the groom and everybody is happy, dancing and laughing when both are announced husband and wife. Sincerely speaking, I was well aware of the climax and was waiting for almost half-an-hour for this to happen, but the beauty lied on watching these actors picturize it in an endearing way. 

Highlights of the Movie

Rich music numbers

The jewel to the crown is the extensive music numbers that make the movie a classical roman-musical film. Honestly, there were times where I did skip a few minutes to get to the plot as soon as possible and I was taken back when I found most of the songs in the length of seven minutes each on Spotify. (Wow! That’s a lenghtyyyy piece) My personal favourites were definitely “Ladki Badi Anjani Hai'' one hundred percent and obviously, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. 

I remember opening my Spotify right away after the movie to tune in to the songs. I adored them and still keep humming them 24/7 for an unhealthy number of times. Now, I have literally started scaring people around me when I go, “Tumne na jaane kya sapne dikhaaye”. (Btw, that’s my fav line)

Love is Friendship

When Tina mentioned that Rahul needed Anjali in his life and how they were in need of each other, I felt it was more of a platitude used in most of the South Indian movies. But, you can’t help but fall for it when you find Rahul describing Anjali to his family with such passion even after ten years. And there are brief details that show how Rahul feels familiar with Anjali that reminds him or stirs up his feelings for her. 

What they share is beautiful. I am still not sure if I can define their relationship as love. Well, I have no say as it was defined and celebrated 25 years ago. But, to me, Anjali was more than love to Rahul. She was his home and they needed each other to find themselves. 

Tina & Anjali

I am not sure how many of you are going to agree with me on this, but the friendship shared between Tina and Anjali is comparatively less celebrated. The girls instantly had a thing and felt comfortable with each other. Please don’t come at me for this but if it wasn’t for Rahul, they would have remained as best friends. I believe that Tina admired Anjali and even wondered how it feels to be Rahul’s best friend.

I personally enjoyed how Anjali is portrayed in Tina’s words and how Anjali mourns when she comes to know about Tina’s demise. Though it was for a brief time, it is something I took close to my heart. After all, it is neither fault, Rahul is indeed attractive and everybody wants a piece of him (Just kidding).

The Visual Treat

25 Years after release, the movie still is rich in its visuals. I am a person who really enjoys extravagance in the picture and the film treats me with the choicest fashion and settings. To be more precise, my most favourite were Kajol’s collection of plain sarees and the shots during “Ladki Badi Anjani Hai''. The burst of colours, the children, balloons, wind and chants, everything had my heart. 

Supporting Characters

 My entire blog post is definitely dedicated to the protagonist trio yet it is a must to mention of the supporting characters without whom the movie wouldn’t have had the engaging humour and tearjerkers as it does. No words could suffice while appreciating Sana Saeed to play the eight-year-old. She was just too good for the kid and the world knows it. My other personal favourites would be Mrs. Khanna and Mr. Almeida who kept us entertained during our time in the camp and of course, Ms. Briganza and Mr. Malhotra in college. And finally, the ultimate heart stealer, Aman Mehra played by Salman Khan. As I mentioned earlier, the entire crew made Kuch Kuch Hota Hai what it is today.

Take Home

Let me begin with the director, Karan Johar. Well, my likings towards the director have always been a push and pull due to a few acquisitions and his practice of nepotism. Even so, I am sure you would agree that he has brought some of the best movies out there redefining Bollywood cinema. And this article that runs over 2000+ words just shows that I very much like his direction in this movie. He also excels as a screenwriter here; delivering some of the notable and iconic dialogues that still stay itched in many hearts even today. 

On the whole, I genuinely loved the movie. The 25-year-old movie that is the same age as me might sound absurd and be irrational at times. When I started complaining and discussed my interpretations with my mom, these were her exact words, “Let the movie be. The movie was released in 1998 and a lot has changed since then”. Yeah, I agree! My mom is right, and this movie is one to relish for the sake of art. Undeniably, it did stand the test of time.

Will I watch it again? I am not sure. 

Will I keep reminiscing about it? Will I keep jamming to the songs? Will I recommend you watch it? A Big YES!

So, here we are after ranting/typing the entire plot for no reason. Well, I did enjoy doing it so hope you liked reading it as well!

Do make sure to watch it! If you have watched the movie already, do make sure to share your experience in the comments! Until next time, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in slow motion!

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(Note: Images' Credits go to the respective owners)