Kajol Says Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Would Be Laughed At Today: ‘We Were Wrong In That Film'

News18

2 days ago

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Kajol says Kuch Kuch Hota Hai would be mocked if made today, admitting the film's portrayal of love and gender roles was outdated: 'We were wrong in that film.'
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's iconic 1998 romantic drama Kuch Kuch Hota Hai may have defined an era, but it continues to spark debate for its outdated portrayal of love and femininity. In the film, Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) fails to see Anjali (Kajol) as a romantic interest during their college years when she sports short hair and tomboyish attire. It's only years later—after she transforms into the sari-clad epitome of traditional femininity—that he falls for her.
Now, decades later, Kajol has offered a candid reflection on the film's messaging, admitting that if the same story were told today, it would likely face ridicule.
Speaking to The Lallantop, the actor said, 'No. 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 of time."
But the times have changed. She added, 'Agar aaj KKHH banaane jaate toh we would be laughed out. That tomboy cut would be probably 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."
Kajol went on to acknowledge that the film, although beloved, reflects a mindset that hasn't aged well. '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," she said. ('Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was right for its time. If we dissect it today, we were wrong in that film.")
Despite its questionable messaging by today's standards, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was a massive commercial and cultural hit, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of 1998. Directed by Karan Johar and co-starring Rani Mukerji, the film remains a fan favorite even today for its emotional drama, music, and unforgettable characters.
On the work front, Kajol was recently seen in Maa, a mythological horror drama. She will next appear in Sarzameen, an action-thriller streaming on JioCinema from July 25, where she stars alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan.