Jump to content

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham)

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKaran Johar
Written byKaran Johar
Screenplay by
Produced byYash Johar
Starring
CinematographyKiran Deohans
Edited bySanjay Sankla
Music bySongs:
Jatin–Lalit
Sandesh Shandilya
Aadesh Shrivastava
Background Score:
Babloo Chakravarty
Production
company
Distributed byYash Raj Films
Release date
  • 14 December 2001 (2001-12-14)
Running time
210 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹40 crore[2]
Box office₹136 crore[2]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (transl. Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sadness), also abbreviated as K3G,[3] is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language family drama film written and directed by Karan Johar and produced by Yash Johar under the Dharma Productions banner. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor, with Rani Mukerji in a guest appearance. The film follows a wealthy Indian family that becomes estranged when the adopted son is disowned by his father for marrying a woman of lower socio-economic status, leading to years of separation and eventual reconciliation.

Development began shortly after the release of Johar’s directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Principal photography commenced on 16 October 2000 and took place across locations in India, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. Promoted with the tagline "It's All About Loving Your Parents", the film featured a lavish visual style and combined traditional family values with contemporary production techniques. The soundtrack was composed by Jatin–Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya, and Aadesh Shrivastava, with lyrics by Sameer and Anil Pandey, and a background score by Babloo Chakravarty.

Released theatrically on 14 December 2001, the film was produced on a then-unprecedented budget of ₹300–400 million (US$6.36–8.48 million), making it the most expensive Indian film at the time. It emerged as one of the highest grossing Indian films ever, earning ₹1.36 billion (US$29 million) worldwide. Critics praised the performances—particularly those of Kajol and Jaya Bachchan—alongside its production design, music, costume design, and emotional appeal, though some reviews criticized its extended runtime and melodramatic tone. At the 47th Filmfare Awards, it won five awards, including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, and received several honors at the IIFA, Screen, and Zee Cine Awards.

Distributed in more than 100 countries, the film held the record for the highest-grossing Indian film in overseas markets until the release of Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). Over time, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... has attained cult status and is frequently cited as a landmark in Hindi cinema, particularly for its cultural resonance with the Indian diaspora and its role in expanding Bollywood’s global reach.

Plot

[edit]

Yashvardhan "Yash" Raichand is a wealthy businessman in Delhi who lives with his wife Nandini, their sons Rahul and Rohan, and other extended family members. Rahul, their elder son, is adopted—a fact he discovers at the age of eight. Although Nandini loves him deeply, Rahul grows up with a strong sense of duty to his parents and strives to meet their expectations.

As an adult, Rahul falls in love with Anjali Sharma, a lively young woman from Chandni Chowk. Yash disapproves of the relationship due to class differences and wants Rahul to marry Naina Kapoor, a family friend who quietly has feelings for him. Understanding Rahul's love for Anjali, Naina steps aside. Rahul considers ending the relationship but marries Anjali after her father’s sudden death. In response, Yash disowns Rahul, prompting him to leave for London with Anjali and her younger sister, Pooja. Nandini, heartbroken, sends the family’s nanny, Sayeeda, to accompany them. Soon after, Rohan is sent to boarding school.

Ten years later, Rohan returns home after completing his education. He learns of Rahul’s estrangement from a conversation between his grandmothers and resolves to reunite the family. He requests permission to pursue an MBA in London, using it as a pretext to find Rahul. Upon arrival, he reconnects with Pooja, now a university student. Together, they devise a plan to bring Rahul and Anjali back to India.

To conceal his identity, Pooja introduces Rohan to Rahul as "Yash," a cousin visiting from India. Although hesitant, Rahul allows him to stay. Rohan bonds with his nephew Krish and develops a romantic connection with Pooja. Despite several close calls, Rahul remains unaware of Rohan’s true identity.

Eventually, Rohan reveals the truth and urges Rahul to return home. Rahul refuses, believing he has been permanently rejected by Yash. Hoping to change his mind, Pooja encourages Rohan to invite their parents to London. Nandini and Yash arrive; while Nandini reunites emotionally with Rahul, he avoids his father. Yash learns of Rohan’s deception and becomes angry. The family returns to India following the death of Yash’s mother.

Rahul attends the funeral and, at the urging of Rohan and Pooja, agrees to return briefly for Nandini’s sake. In Delhi, the family prepares to formally welcome Anjali, and Rohan and Pooja’s engagement is announced. During the ceremony, Yash publicly expresses regret for disowning Rahul and admits that, despite his strict nature, he always loved him. The two reconcile in an emotional reunion.

The film ends with a celebratory wedding for Rohan and Pooja, marking the restoration of the Raichand family’s unity.

Cast

[edit]

Main cast

[edit]
  • Amitabh Bachchan as Yashvardhan "Yash" Raichand: A wealthy and controlling Delhi-based businessman, and the patriarch of the Raichand family. He is Rahul’s adoptive father, Rohan’s biological father, and Nandini’s husband. Bachchan was Karan Johar’s first choice for the role and agreed to the film without a script narration.[4] Johar later described him as the "backbone" of the story.[5]
  • Jaya Bachchan as Nandini Raichand: Yash’s wife and mother to Rahul and Rohan. Emotionally close to her sons, she lives in her husband’s shadow. Johar cast her based on both her stature and her ability to convey maternal warmth.[4] The film marked the couple’s return to screen together after 18 years.[6] Jaya Bachchan stated that her own maternal feelings toward Shah Rukh Khan helped shape her performance.[7]
  • Shah Rukh Khan as Rahul Raichand: The adopted elder son of Yash and Nandini, Rohan’s brother, and Anjali’s husband. Loyal and sensitive, he is disowned by Yash for marrying Anjali. Khan accepted the role without hesitation and noted that he connected with Rahul’s vulnerability and emotional honesty.[4][8]
  • Kajol as Anjali Sharma Raichand: Rahul’s wife, Krish’s mother, and Pooja’s elder sister. A cheerful woman from Chandni Chowk, she is not accepted by the Raichands due to her modest background. Initially hesitant, Kajol accepted the role after an emotional script narration. She worked to perfect the Punjabi dialect required for the character.[4][9]
  • Hrithik Roshan as Rohan "Laddu" Raichand / Yash: Yash and Nandini’s biological son, Rahul’s younger brother, and Pooja’s love interest. As an adult, he plots to reunite his fractured family. Roshan was cast after Johar saw a rough cut of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000) and described his character as a bridge between the film’s older and younger generations.[4][10]
  • Kareena Kapoor as Pooja "Poo" Sharma Raichand: Anjali’s sister and Rohan’s eventual wife. Glamorous and outspoken, she assists Rohan in reuniting the family. Johar cast Kapoor after meeting her at a party and envisioned her as the modern, stylish foil to her sister Anjali. Kapoor trained extensively for her dance sequences.[4][11]
  • Rani Mukerji as Naina Kapoor (guest appearance): Rahul’s childhood friend and Yash’s preferred match for him. She gracefully steps aside after realizing Rahul loves Anjali. Mukerji was cast in a guest role to reprise the successful pairing from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Her presence was intended as a surprise but was inadvertently revealed during promotions.[4][11]

Supporting cast

[edit]
  • Farida Jalal as Sayeeda Begum (Daijaan / DJ): The Raichand family’s longtime nanny, and Rukhsar’s mother.
  • Jibraan Khan as Krish Raichand: Rahul and Anjali’s son.
  • Simone Singh as Rukhsar Begum: Anjali’s best friend and Ashfaque’s wife.
  • Alok Nath as Om Sharma (Bauji): Anjali and Pooja’s father.
  • Achala Sachdev as Lajwanti "Lajjo" Raichand: Yash’s mother and Rahul and Rohan’s paternal grandmother.
  • Sushma Seth as Harbans Kaur: Nandini’s mother and the boys’ maternal grandmother.
  • Johnny Lever as Haldiram Rawat: A sweetshop owner in Chandni Chowk.
  • Himani Shivpuri as Mrs. Rawat: Haldiram’s wife.
  • Amar Talwar as Mr. Kapoor: Yash’s friend and Naina’s father.
  • Vikas Sethi as Randhir / Robbie: One of Pooja’s friends.
  • Jugal Hansraj as Rohan’s friend (special appearance)
  • Shashikala as Ashfaque’s grandmother
  • Parzaan Dastur as Ashfaque’s nephew
  • Punit Malhotra as a cricket bowler (cameo)

Child actors

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

"At a certain age, boys are very demonstrative about their love towards their fathers. They hug and kiss them. But after that, they withdraw, become less demonstrative. My film is about relationships, about sons going up to their fathers and saying they love them."

Karan Johar on Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., from his interview to Rediff.com in 2001[12]

Following the commercial success of his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Karan Johar began developing a new project centered on themes of family, tradition, and generational dynamics. The initial concept revolved around two daughters-in-law within a joint family, but on the advice of his cousin and filmmaker Aditya Chopra, Johar restructured the narrative to focus on the relationship between two brothers, believing this would allow for stronger male protagonists.[13]

Johar cited Yash Chopra's Kabhi Kabhie (1976) as a key inspiration, particularly its exploration of romantic and familial relationships across generations. Although he acknowledged the influence of that film, Johar stated that Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... would differ significantly in its tone and aesthetic.[14] The title of the film was stylized with an additional "e" in the second "Kabhi", based on numerological considerations.[15]

In interviews, Johar emphasized the emotional and relational core of the story, stating: "My film is about relationships, about sons going up to their fathers and saying they love them." He characterized the project as a more mature and sophisticated counterpart to his earlier work, describing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai as "frothy and bubble-gummish" in contrast. The film aimed to balance heightened emotional drama with opulent visuals and cross-generational appeal.[16]

Prior to principal photography, Johar collaborated with costume designers Manish Malhotra, Shabina Khan, and Rocky S to curate distinct wardrobes for each character. The team sourced clothing and accessories from multiple cities including London, Milan, New Delhi, and various locations in the United States.[17] Johar did not hold extensive cast rehearsals, with the exception of an emotionally pivotal scene between Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan. Other key crew members included choreographer Farah Khan, production designer Sharmishta Roy, and cinematographer Kiran Deohans.[18]

Filming

[edit]
A large country house in England
Waddesdon Manor (pictured) was featured as the mansion of the Raichand family in the film.

Principal photography commenced on 16 October 2000 in Mumbai, beginning with the song sequence "Bole Chudiyan", which featured Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, and Kajol. Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan joined the production a few days later. During the initial days of filming, Johar experienced exhaustion and briefly fainted on set but continued directing while resting off-camera.[19][20]

To recreate the Chandni Chowk setting for the film’s first half, production designer Sharmishta Roy led the construction of detailed sets at Film City, Mumbai.[21] The team used reference photographs and materials sourced from the original location to enhance authenticity. Roy later received the Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction for her work, which included constructing 18 to 19 sets, including the interior of the Raichand mansion, which was built from scratch and adorned with imported artwork and luxury décor to convey the family's affluence.[22][23][24][25]

The second half of the film was set and shot in the United Kingdom, with Johar selecting London for its personal significance. Filming took place at several notable sites including the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, Blenheim Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, and the River Thames.[26][27] Exterior shots of the Raichand estate were filmed at Waddesdon Manor.[28] During the shoot at Bluewater, a large crowd gathered to watch a scene featuring Jaya Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, which led to production delays and prompted mall authorities to request that filming be completed within two hours.[29]

The romantic song "Suraj Hua Maddham", featuring Khan and Kajol, was filmed at the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt.[30] Due to lighting limitations, filming was restricted to early morning hours and extended over several days.[31] During the shoot, Kajol sustained a minor injury after a fall.[31]

British journalist Fuad Omar extensively covered the film’s London production in regional media and later compiled his accounts in the book Bollywood: An Insider’s Guide, offering insights into the film’s international schedule and cultural resonance.[32]

Themes

[edit]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... has been the subject of academic and critical analysis for its portrayal of family structures, diaspora identity, visual spectacle, and cultural values. Scholars have explored how the film synthesizes traditional melodrama with global aesthetics to engage both domestic and NRI audiences.

In the Encyclopedia of Religion and Film, Eric Mazur identifies mythological subtexts in the film, particularly in its depiction of Hindu rituals. He notes that the opening Diwali sequence, in which the Raichand family worships Hindu deities, offers the audience a shared experience of darshan (divine viewing), linking spectators with on-screen devotion. Mazur also highlights the use of dreamlike, non-narrative sequences such as the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", which he argues enables the characters to express physical intimacy and emotional longing in ways constrained by the film’s narrative world. These moments, he asserts, rely more on non-verbal cues—particularly close-ups of glances and eyes—than on dialogue.[33]

Rajani Mazumdar draws comparisons between Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... and earlier family-centered Hindi films such as Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), noting the continuation of themes of familial loyalty and moral values.[34] She observes that the film stages its melodrama across two contrasting spatial registers: the opulent Raichand mansion, described as "museum-like", and the bustling, celebratory interiors of Chandni Chowk. This spatial contrast, combined with frontal camera compositions, enhances the visual richness of the film and underscores emotional oppositions within the narrative.[35]

Sangita Gopal situates the film within the broader tradition of Hindi cinematic melodrama, particularly through its heightened aesthetic techniques. She examines scenes such as the confrontation between Yash and Rahul Raichand, which employ a dramatic background score and 360-degree panning shots to intensify emotion.[36] Gopal argues that while these stylistic devices recall classical melodrama, the film gradually transitions toward a more psychological exploration of family conflict, shifting the emphasis from social structure to interpersonal dynamics.[33]

The film’s portrayal of diasporic life has also drawn sustained critical attention. Writing in Movie Blockbusters, Andrew Willis suggests that the narrative was deliberately crafted to appeal to the Indian diaspora, particularly in the United Kingdom, North America, and Canada.[37] He interprets the second half of the film, set in London, as a nostalgic reflection on cultural displacement, with characters navigating emotional disconnection amid material prosperity.[38] Anjali, in particular, is portrayed as deeply rooted in Indian traditions—wearing saris, performing domestic rituals, and expressing concern about the Westernization of her son and younger sister.[39][40]

Building on this perspective, scholars such as Lars Eckstein argue that the film advances a culturally conservative view of India, contrasting it with the perceived emptiness of Western consumer culture. References to global brands such as Starbucks and Burger King are cited to emphasize the commodification of lifestyle abroad. Eckstein characterizes the Raichands' life in the United Kingdom as an "involuntary exile", with their eventual return to India depicted as a form of emotional and cultural reconciliation.[41]

Corey Creekmur explores the film’s tagline—"It’s all about loving your parents"—in relation to its internal family dynamics. While the narrative celebrates filial devotion, Creekmur contends that it simultaneously challenges patriarchal rigidity. He identifies Rohan as a pivotal character who seamlessly bridges traditional Indian values and Western cosmopolitanism. According to Creekmur, the film ultimately advocates for emotional openness between fathers and children, while portraying mothers, grandmothers, and aunts as consistently nurturing and supportive, even when constrained by patriarchal expectations.[42]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Main article: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (soundtrack)

The soundtrack for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... was composed by Jatin–Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya, and Aadesh Shrivastava, with lyrics by Sameer. The song "Suraj Hua Maddham" featured lyrics by Anil Pandey. The album comprises 11 tracks and was released on 26 October 2001 by Sony Music. The background score for the film was composed by Babloo Chakravarty.[43][44]

Release

[edit]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... was initially planned for release during the Diwali season of 2001 but was ultimately released theatrically on 14 December 2001.[45] Owing to the film’s extended runtime, theatres typically screened three shows per day instead of the usual four. In response to high demand during the advance booking period, several cinemas raised their ticket prices.[46]

The film’s use of "Jana Gana Mana", India's national anthem composed by Rabindranath Tagore, drew criticism from some audience members and political figures, particularly members of the Bharatiya Janata Party. They argued that its placement within the narrative was inappropriate and disrespectful to national pride.[47] A writ petition was filed against Dharma Productions in the Allahabad High Court by a resident of Uttar Pradesh;[48] however, the court dismissed the complaint.[49]

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

India

[edit]
Actress Kajol at a party
Kajol was praised for her performance. A review carried by The Hindu noted that she "steals the thunder from under very high noses."[50]

Upon its release, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... received a range of responses from Indian film critics, with praise directed at its production values and performances, and criticism aimed at its length and screenplay.

Khalid Mohamed of The Times of India gave the film a five-star rating, calling it "the complete commercial banquet delivered with fabulous finesse."[51][52] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars and lauded the emotional sequences, production design, choreography, and cinematography, crediting Karan Johar as the driving creative force.[18] Rakesh Budhu of Planet Bollywood gave the film 8 out of 10, acknowledging its narrative flaws but calling it “one heck of an entertainer.”[53]

Fuad Omar, writing in Bollywood: An Insider’s Guide, described the film as "a masterpiece from the first frame to the last," calling it "the most enthralling, entertaining, emotional and complete vision and definition of Hindi cinema I have ever seen."[54]

Other reviewers offered more mixed or negative assessments. Anjum N. of Rediff.com criticized the film as a "bad remix of Mohabbatein (2000) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” though he praised the performances of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, and Hrithik Roshan.[55] Ziya Us Salam of The Hindu praised Kajol’s performance and Johar’s ability to engage viewers, stating that the film offered “some joy, some disappointment.”[50] Namrata Joshi of Outlook found the emotions exaggerated, calling the film “monochromatic despite the profusion of colours.”[56]

Overseas

[edit]

Internationally, the film was generally well received. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... holds a 100% approval rating based on 11 reviews, with an average score of 8.8/10.[57]

Shamaila Khan of the BBC gave it 9 out of 10 stars, praising the performances of Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Kareena Kapoor, and describing the film as “well made, with some magical moments (hilarious and weepy) and possibly the world's best-looking family.”[58] Derek Elley of Variety called it “highly enjoyable” and praised its set pieces and visual style, though he noted the narrative lost momentum in the final half-hour.[59]

Box office

[edit]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... opened to record-breaking collections in India. It earned approximately ₹70 million net during its opening weekend, and ₹140 million in its first week.[60] These figures were about 70% higher than the previous box-office record at the time. The film continued its strong performance into subsequent weeks, grossing ₹105 million in its second week and ₹80 million in its third.[61] It eventually netted ₹550 million domestically, becoming the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2001, and earned “Blockbuster” status.[60][62]

Internationally, the film was released in approximately 125 prints and earned a total of US$8.9 million at the overseas box office.[60][63] It performed exceptionally well in the United Kingdom, grossing US$689,000 in its opening weekend and ranking third at the British box office.[64] It went on to earn over US$3.2 million in the UK.[63] In North America, it grossed US$1.1 million in its opening weekend across 73 screens, the highest opening ever for a Bollywood film at that time.[65] Due to delayed box-office reporting, its actual debut position on the American charts was affected, though Box Office Mojo recorded it at number 32 for the week ending 4 January 2002.[66] Its final gross in the United States was US$2.9 million.[63]

In 2003, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... became the first Indian film to receive a theatrical release in Germany.[67] The film's global gross totaled approximately ₹1.36 billion (US$29 million), making it the highest-grossing Indian film overseas at the time.[60][68] Its record stood until surpassed by Johar’s subsequent directorial, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). When adjusted for inflation, the film remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films worldwide.[69]

Accolades

[edit]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... received significant recognition at Indian and international award ceremonies. At the 47th Filmfare Awards, it led the nominations with 16 nods and won five awards.[70][71] In a subsequent interview, director Karan Johar expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that although the film did not win the top prizes, he considered Lagaan “a classic” and deserving of its wins.[29]

The film was also successful at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), where it received seven awards. It earned additional honors at the Zee Cine Awards and Screen Awards.[72][73][74][75] Internationally, it won five awards at the 13th Valenciennes International Film Festival in France, including three for Best Film and Best Actress for Kajol.[76]

Award Date of the ceremony Category Recipients Result Ref.
Zee Cine Awards 11 January 2002 Best Film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Nominated [77]
Best Director Karan Johar Nominated
Best Actor – Male Shahrukh Khan Nominated
Best Actor – Female Kajol Nominated
Special Award for Outstanding Performance – Female Won
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Hrithik Roshan Nominated
Best Music Director Jatin–Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya, Aadesh Shrivastava Nominated
Best Lyricist Anil Pandey for "Suraj Hua Maddham" Nominated
Best Playback Singer – Male Sonu Nigam for "Suraj Hua Maddham" Won
Best Playback Singer – Female Alka Yagnik for "Suraj Hua Maddham" Nominated
Lata Mangeshkar for "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Nominated
Screen Awards 13 January 2002 Best Film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Nominated [78]
Best Actor Shahrukh Khan Nominated
Best Actress Kajol Won
Best Supporting Actor Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Hrithik Roshan Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Kareena Kapoor Nominated
Jodi No. 1 Shahrukh Khan & Kajol Won
Hrithik Roshan & Kareena Kapoor Nominated
Best Art Direction Sharmishta Roy Nominated
Best Sound Recording Anuj Mathur Nominated
Best Special Effects Pankaj Khandpur Nominated
Filmfare Awards 16 February 2002 Best Film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Nominated [79]
Best Director Karan Johar Nominated
Best Actor Shahrukh Khan Nominated
Best Actress Kajol Won
Best Supporting Actor Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Hrithik Roshan Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Jaya Bachchan Won
Kareena Kapoor Nominated
Best Music Director Jatin–Lalit Nominated
Best Lyricist Anil Pandey for "Suraj Hua Maddham" Nominated
Sameer for "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Sonu Nigam for "Suraj Hua Maddham" Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer Alka Yagnik for "Suraj Hua Maddham" Nominated
Best Scene of the Year Family reunion at the Bluewater Shopping Centre Won
Best Dialogue Karan Johar Won
Best Art Direction Sharmishta Roy Won
Valenciennes International Film Festival 20–24 March 2002 Best Film (Special Jury Award) Karan Johar Won [80]
Best Film (Audience Jury Award) Won
Best Film (Student Jury Award) Won
Best Actress Kajol Won
Bleu Nord Award Jatin–Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya, Aadesh Shrivastava Won
Sansui Viewers' Choice Movie Awards 27 March 2002 Best Actress Kajol Won
Best Supporting Actress Jaya Bachchan Won
Kareena Kapoor Nominated
Bollywood Movie Awards 6 April 2002 Best Film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Won [81][82]
Best Actor Shahrukh Khan Nominated
Best Actor (Critics) Nominated
Best Actress Kajol Won
Best Supporting Actor Hrithik Roshan Won
Best Sensational Role – Female Kareena Kapoor Nominated

Legacy

[edit]

Since its release, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... has come to be regarded as a landmark film in Hindi cinema, noted for its combination of emotional melodrama, lavish production values, and cross-generational storytelling. Retrospective analyses have highlighted its influence on diaspora narratives, family-oriented themes, and the globalization of Bollywood cinema.

In a 2024 feature, ThePrint described the film as "one of Bollywood’s most iconic family dramas," citing its ensemble cast, memorable dialogues, and enduring music.[83] The Guardian characterized it as a "feel-good movie" that "instantly uplifts my mood," noting its continued popularity more than two decades after release.[84]

Critics and scholars have observed that the film played a key role in shaping mainstream Hindi cinema’s engagement with themes of class, familial expectation, and identity in post-liberalization India. Its stylized portrayal of London and Delhi as symbolic cultural spaces has been widely discussed in academic literature, particularly in relation to diasporic longing, aspirational consumption, and patriarchal conflict.[85][86][87]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... has also had a lasting impact on popular culture. The character of Poo, portrayed by Kareena Kapoor, emerged as a generational pop culture icon, celebrated across social media platforms for her confidence, style, and comedic timing. In 2021, Elle India referred to Poo as "Bollywood's original Gen Z icon," while Vogue India likened her to Western figures such as Elle Woods and Cher Horowitz, citing her influence on early-2000s fashion in Indian cinema.[88]

The film’s long-term popularity has been reinforced through frequent television broadcasts, international syndication, and sustained viewership on streaming platforms. In 2020, The Guardian included the film in its curated list of underappreciated global titles available on Netflix, calling it a "Bollywood extravaganza" that deserved wider international recognition.[89][84]

In a 2021 interview, director Karan Johar reflected on the film’s continued resonance, expressing surprise at the affection it still receives from audiences worldwide. He noted that while the film was rooted in traditional values, its emotional universality contributed to its lasting relevance.[90]

Marketing and home media

[edit]

Prior to its theatrical release, the film's music, overseas distribution, and telecast rights were collectively sold for approximately ₹350 million (US$7.42 million).[91][68] This included ₹250 million for the overseas rights, which were acquired by Sony.[91]

During the film’s production, screenwriter and journalist Niranjan Iyengar authored The Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., a companion book based on 18 months of on-set observations and interviews with the film’s cast and crew. The book was published shortly before the film’s release and documented various aspects of the production process.[92][93][94][95]

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... was released on VHS and DVD formats beginning in 2002, with a two-disc DVD edition including a 45-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, deleted scenes, trailers, and promotional content.[96] The film was later issued on Blu-ray in 2010.[97]

As of 2025, the film is available for streaming on major digital platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.[98][99]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (PG)". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... – Movie". Box Office India.
  3. ^ Puri, Chhavi (19 October 2022). "34 Best Bollywood family movies to watch this Diwali". Pinkvilla. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Excerpts from the making of K3g". Rediff. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  5. ^ "Karan Johar on Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Rediff. 9 October 2001. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  6. ^ "Amitabh wears make-up; Jaya comes colour coordinated". Rediff. 11 December 2001. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  7. ^ "Filmfare — Print Edition: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Jaya Bachchan)". Filmfare. April 2002. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  8. ^ ""Many people love me too much" – Shahrukh Khan". Rediff. 13 December 2001. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  9. ^ "Filmfare — Print Edition: Best Actress (Kajol)". Filmfare. April 2002. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  10. ^ "Snapshots from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...". Rediff. 23 November 2001. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  11. ^ a b "Bebo's gung-ho!". Rediff. 13 December 2001. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  12. ^ "The Rediff interview: Karan Johar". Rediff. 5 December 2001. Archived from the original on 7 November 2005. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  13. ^ Jha, Subhash K. (21 December 2001). "Cherished moments in film-making". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  14. ^ "An exclusive interview with director Karan Johar". Rediff. 9 December 1998. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  15. ^ "Karan Johar on Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Rediff. 9 October 2001. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  16. ^ Mohamed, Khalid (6 October 2001). "Sunday brunch with Karan Johar". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  17. ^ "Fashion Speak". Rediff. 12 December 1998. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  18. ^ a b "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) | Hindi Movie Critic Review By Taran Adarsh — Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. 11 December 2001. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  19. ^ Omar 2006, pp. 70–71
  20. ^ Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... DVD special feature. From the 36–38-minute mark.
  21. ^ Deepanjana Pal (September 2013). "Places Other Than This". The Big Indian Picture. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  22. ^ "Best Art Direction: Sharmishta Roy". Filmfare. April 2002. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  23. ^ "Hrithik's lonely this Diwali". Rediff. 9 November 2001. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  24. ^ "A sweet sad tale". Rediff. 29 November 2001. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  25. ^ Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... DVD special feature. From the 33-minute mark.
  26. ^ Kent Film Office (27 December 2001). "Kent Film Office Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Article". Archived from the original on 19 October 2016.
  27. ^ "'Hrithik is a student as compared to Shah Rukh': Karan Johar". Rediff. 4 June 2001. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  28. ^ "On Location – London calling: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." The Indian Express. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  29. ^ a b "Best Dialogue/Filmfare-Sony Best Scene: Karan Johar". Filmfare. April 2002. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  30. ^ Chattopadhyay, Sohini (15 April 2005). "Hot Spots". The Telegraph. Calcutta. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  31. ^ a b "K3G will be the biggest film after Sholay". Rediff. 12 December 2001. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  32. ^ Omar 2006
  33. ^ a b Mazur 2011, pp. 79–81
  34. ^ Mazumdar 2007, pp. 136
  35. ^ Mazumdar 2007, pp. 138–140
  36. ^ Bhattacharya Mehta & Pandharipande 2010, pp. 30–31
  37. ^ Stringer 2003, pp. 255–257
  38. ^ Hirji 2010, pp. 110–111
  39. ^ (Punathambekar 2005, pp. 159) harv error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFPunathambekar2005 (help)
  40. ^ Oonk 2007, pp. 214
  41. ^ Eckstein 2008, pp. 68–70
  42. ^ Creekmur, Corey. "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." South Asian Studies Program, University of Iowa. Archived from the original on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  43. ^ "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...: Lata Mangeshkar: Music". Amazon. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  44. ^ "iTunes — Music — Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists". iTunes Store. 26 October 2001. Archived from the original on 5 January 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  45. ^ Wallia, Kajal (7 November 2001). "No big Hindi film release this Diwali". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  46. ^ "K3G — Cheers to a great start!". The Times of India. 17 December 2001. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  47. ^ Khomne, Ranjit (8 January 2002). "K3G in the eye of a storm". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  48. ^ "K3G taken to court by city 'patriot'". The Times of India. 30 January 2002. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  49. ^ Borpujari, Utpal. "So goes the anthem of discontent". Deccan Herald. The Printers (Mysore) Private Tld. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  50. ^ a b Salam, Ziya Us (21 December 2001). "The Hindu Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 February 2002. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  51. ^ Mohamed, Khalid (17 December 2001). "Wow, that's entertainment!". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  52. ^ Mohamed, Khalid (2001). "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham". Bombay Talkies. Archived from the original on 16 June 2002. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  53. ^ Rakesh Budhu (14 December 2001). "Film Review — Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Planet-Bollywood. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  54. ^ Omar 2006, pp. 60–64
  55. ^ "The Rediff Review: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Rediff. 14 December 2001. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  56. ^ Joshi, Namrata (31 December 2001). "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Outlook. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  57. ^ "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  58. ^ Khan, Shamaila (1 January 2002). "Manchester Masti — Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Review". BBC. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  59. ^ Elley, Derek (21 December 2012). "Variety Reviews — Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... – Film Reviews — Also Playing — Review by Derek Elley". Variety. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  60. ^ a b c d "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Box Office India. Archived from the original on 18 July 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  61. ^ "Ten Years On: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Box Office India. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  62. ^ "Box Office 2001". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  63. ^ a b c "International Box Office Results". BoxofficeMojo. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  64. ^ "K3G makes history in US, UK". Rediff. 20 December 2001. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  65. ^ Dhawan, Himanshu (28 January 2002). "Look who's laughing". India Today. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  66. ^ "Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  67. ^ Poduwal, Sunanda (11 September 2010). "Hindi films lose grip on the German market". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 29 September 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  68. ^ a b "Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average)". World Bank. 2001. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  69. ^ "Top Lifetime Inflation Adjusted Grossers Worldwide". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  70. ^ "Filmfare Nominees And Winners" (PDF). The Times Group. pp. 110–112. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  71. ^ "Filmfare Awards 2002". Awardsandshows.com. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  72. ^ "Rare opportunity for Malaysian fans". The Hindu. 26 April 2002. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  73. ^ "Lagaan scoops Bollywood awards". BBC News. 6 April 2002. Archived from the original on 23 November 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  74. ^ "Fair View Zee Cine Awards 2002 – 5th Zee Cine Awards & Winners". Awardsandshows.com. 11 January 2002. Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  75. ^ "'Lagaan', 'DCH' sweep Screen Awards". The Tribune. 20 January 2002. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  76. ^ "More awards for K3G". Rediff. 27 March 2002. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  77. ^ "Fair View Zee Cine Awards 2002 - 5th Zee Cine Awards & Winners". www.awardsandshows.com. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  78. ^ "Star Screen Award Winners 2002 – Eighth (8th) Star Screen Awards". www.awardsandshows.com. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  79. ^ "Filmfare Awards 2002 Winners". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  80. ^ "rediff.com: Cut to Cut". m.rediff.com. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  81. ^ "Bollywood Movie Awards Nominees Announced". Bollyspice.Com. 30 April 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  82. ^ "Winners of Bollywood Movie Awards: 1999 to 2007". BollywoodAwards.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  83. ^ ANI (14 December 2024). "'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' turns 23: Karan Johar reflects on the legacy of his iconic film". ThePrint. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  84. ^ a b Merchant, Tasneem (3 March 2025). "'Instantly uplifts my mood': why Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is my feelgood movie". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  85. ^ ruchicac (21 June 2018). "Reading Reflection Time: Bollywood Style! – WAGSFP". Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  86. ^ Punathambekar, Aswin (1 June 2005). "Bollywood in the Indian-American diaspora: Mediating a transitive logic of cultural citizenship". International Journal of Cultural Studies. 8 (2): 151–173. doi:10.1177/1367877905052415. ISSN 1367-8779.
  87. ^ Therwath, Ingrid (8 December 2010). "'Shining Indians': Diaspora and Exemplarity in Bollywood". South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal (4). doi:10.4000/samaj.3000. ISSN 1960-6060.
  88. ^ Raniwala, Praachi (26 October 2020). "Kylie Jenner is basically Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and these outfits are proof". Vogue India. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  89. ^ Kalia, Ammar (10 July 2020). "My streaming gem: why you should watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  90. ^ ANI (14 December 2024). "'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' turns 23: Karan Johar reflects on the legacy of his iconic film". ThePrint. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  91. ^ a b Kaur, Raminder; Sinha, Ajay J. (2005). Bollyworld: Popular Indian Cinema Through A Transnational Lens. SAGE Publications. p. 190. ISBN 9788132103448.
  92. ^ The Making of 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...' (9788175083387): Niranjan Iyengar: Books. Amazon. 2001. ISBN 8175083387.
  93. ^ "K3G is the biggest film ever made". Rediff. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  94. ^ "The Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." Archived from the original on 12 February 2002. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  95. ^ Niranjan Iyengar (1 January 2002). The Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Dharma Productions [in association with] India Book House. ISBN 978-81-7508-338-7. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  96. ^ "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... :: zulm.net :: definitive indian dvd guide". zulm.net. Archived from the original on 5 November 2002. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  97. ^ "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...: Movies & TV". Amazon. 9 September 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  98. ^ "WATCH! Shahrukh Khan and Kajol's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... on Netflix". Netflix. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  99. ^ "WATCH! Shahrukh Khan and Kajol's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... on Amazon Prime". Prime Video. Retrieved 29 November 2021.

Bibliography

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
  • Iyengar, Niranjan (2002). The Making of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Dharma Productions (in association with) India Book House, India. ISBN 81-7508-338-7.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kabhi_Khushi_Kabhie_Gham...&oldid=1285846892"