‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ is the single greatest smack on my face and a reality check, says Karan Johar

On the eve of the eighteenth anniversary of the premiere of his beloved film “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (K3G), renowned director Karan Johar recently gave genuine views about the film.
Speaking on “Picture Ke Peeche,” a programme hosted by Audible Suno, Karan Johar had a deep realisation on the film’s influence on his career.

Although Karan Johar had first envisioned K3G as a gigantic cinematic accomplishment, comparable to masterpieces like ‘Mughal-e-Azam,’ he later admitted a sobering reality check.

He openly said, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is the single biggest slap on my face and my biggest reality check.”
Karan Johar bemoaned the narrative structure’s similarity between K3G and his last hit film, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” as he considered the film’s thematic similarities. He defined K3G as a combination of the family ideals from “Hum Aapke Hain Koun” and “Kabhi Kabhie.” Kareena Kapoor’s iconic depiction of Poo/Pooja was acknowledged, and Johar reminisced about the character’s lasting appeal, crediting both Kapoor’s performance and his own creative involvement.
Karan Johar expressed thanks for the unwavering love and admiration that K3G continues to get despite his thoughtful criticism. He used social media to share his sincere feelings as he celebrated the film’s 18-year anniversary, highlighting the value of family love and the honour of working with renowned performers and staff. Karan Johar said, “Blessed to have this story to look back on and still feel the love.”
Following “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” Karan Johar’s second film as director was K3G, which debuted in 2001. With a cast that included industry heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor, the movie won several Filmfare awards in addition to critical praise.