Kajol on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai criticism: "We made that film only for entertainment" : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama

Published 1 week ago• 3 minute read

Karan Johar’s directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, was a massive hit and gained cult status for its music and cast. However, over time, it has faced criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes.

Kajol on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai criticism: "We made that film only for entertainment"

Kajol on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai criticism: “We made that film only for entertainment”

In an interview with The Lallantop, Kajol addressed the criticism surrounding the film, especially the point that Shah Rukh Khan’s character viewed her character Anjali merely as a friend during her tomboy phase in college, but developed romantic feelings only after she embraced a more traditionally feminine appearance.

Responding to the criticism, Kajol acknowledged that she hadn’t thought deeply about these aspects while making the film. She explained, “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 (If we made the film today, we would be laughed at).”

Kajol further reflected on how the narrative might differ if the film were made today. She said, “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. Woh uss waqt ke liye sahi thi. If we did it today or point out what was right or wrong, shayad hum galat hain us mein (The first half would be that the saree look was not liked then she would be liked that she played basketball and was cool. It was okay for its time. If we try and pick it that way, we were wrong in that film).”

With a notable supporting cast including Salman Khan, Archana Puran Singh, Johny Lever and Anupam Kher, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai left a lasting mark on 90s pop culture. Kajol, last seen in Maa, will next star in Sarzameen, releasing on JioHotstar on July 25.