Kajol Reflects on 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai': Says Film Would Be 'Laughed At' If Made Today
Kajol says *Kuch Kuch Hota Hai* suited its time, but if made today, it would be mocked for outdated gender norms. “We made it only for entertainment,” she adds.
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Bollywood star Kajol recently opened up about Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and its enduring legacy, admitting that the film, while a massive hit in 1998, might not resonate the same way with today’s audiences.
In a candid interview with The Lallantop, Kajol acknowledged the criticism that the film has received over time, especially regarding its portrayal of gender stereotypes. The Karan Johar directorial debut, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, is now considered a cult classic, but some have pointed out how SRK’s character only sees Kajol's Anjali as a love interest after she embraces a more traditionally feminine look.
“It reflected that time,” Kajol said
Kajol defended the film by contextualizing it within its era: “We made that film only for entertainment. Films reflect society, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was exactly that. People thought like that at that point in time. If we made it today, we would be laughed at.”
She further added, “That tomboy cut would probably be part of the second half now. Earlier she wasn’t liked in a saree, but today the reverse would be true — maybe people would like the cool basketball-playing version instead. That film was okay for its time. If we nitpick it now, maybe we were wrong in some ways.”
Cultural legacy and Kajol’s upcoming projects
KKHH not only featured a powerful lead trio but also had a stellar supporting cast including Salman Khan, Archana Puran Singh, Anupam Kher, and Johny Lever. The film’s emotional depth, catchy music, and iconic dialogues made it a defining part of the 1990s pop culture.
Kajol, who was last seen in the mythological horror film Maa, is set to appear next in Sarzameen, premiering on JioHotstar on July 25.
