In pictures: 7 unforgettably iconic moments from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

As the film hits its 25-year mark, let's stroll down memory lane

KARACHI:

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was an era-defining moment for Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji teamed up to give the world a perplexing love story about a guy who had nothing but options, during his wife's life, and after. It was also Karan Johar's directorial debut, and if there's one thing that's certain, it's that KJo has been pivotal to the Indian cinema landscape in his nearly three-decade run.

Given that the film is quite dated, a lot has been said about the same. In fact, Karan himself spoke at an event about the "incorrect gender politics" of the film, as reported by The Indian Express. "I firmly believe that the gender politics of that film was all wrong. It is propagating incorrect gender politics, there is a lot of surfaceness in that film. Of course, there is nostalgia so you love it, but you don’t scratch the surface of the film and see that what Rahul is doing is actually not what I would want all the Rahuls in the audience, or all the boys in general, to do," stated KJo.

Regardless, as the film celebrates 25 years, one cannot help but look back at what was the start of something new - yet another vital step into an era where soft boys reigned supreme, and romance, no matter how askew, was in the air. Let's look at seven unforgettable instances from the iconic cult classic.

1. Being introduced to Anjali (Sana Saeed)

Many of us wrote off little Anjali as a nuisance, but, in retrospect, Sana gave the role all she had. She was spoilt when she needed to be, the apple of her father's eye when necessary, and did not back down when it came to emotional scenes either. In fact, her chemistry with Farida Jalal, her grandmother in the film, is also quite impressive, given that a mere child had to hold her own against a veteran star. Kudos to this casting, honestly.

2. Rahul's fashion choices

Shah Rukh in an abstract print shirt or a green hoodie showing off his silver C-O-O-L necklace will never stop being iconic. Bold creative decisions were made when it came to SRK's college attire, and while many of us were convinced that the entire team of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai had never experienced college life in an immersive way, it simply did not matter. 25 years later, we're still talking about these things. That's what counts, right?

3. This love triangle

When we were younger, many of us did not fully fathom the significance of this shot. It just goes to show you that life gets complicated as you get older, and when in doubt, one can turn to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai as a guide, albeit to do the exact opposite of what Rahul did.

There is a lot of unsettled beef with this shot. There has to be. For a society that, for the most part, believes in a monogamous form of love, it makes no sense for Rahul to love two different women in varying capacities. However, such is life. You love differently and, perhaps, discriminately. This shot can always be boiled down to Rahul placating his best friend, whom he loves, while holding on to the woman he has begun to love at the same time. For many, this screams infidelity.

For others, it is a depiction of how convoluted love can be. Yes, falling for someone's looks before their personality is shallow, but it's also human. Similarly, overlooking your best friend who loves you - a love of which you do not know - can also be seen as an inherently human quality.

Meeting your best friend after growing apart and up is a completely different experience as well. It helps Rahul's cause, of course, that Anjali is more feminine and to his liking when he meets her. But the man spends a whole lifetime away from his closest friend - is it unnatural for him to fall in love with her, instead of starting over with someone else?

4. Salman Khan's cameo

Being a Bollywood fan during these times was an extreme sport. Two of the biggest stars of Indian cinema - the silver-screen defining Khans - shared screen space, and it was just as glorious as one would hope.

To say that Karan does justice to Salman's entrance is an understatement. From the celebratory song to the enigmatic camera angle to a shot of Salman's back as he croons, every single thing leading up to his entry is magnificent.

"Tere ghar aya, main aya tujhko lene," sings Salman as Aman, making his intention clear with exposition through song and dance, throwing a spanner in the works, as far as Rahul and Anjali's romantic reunion is concerned.

5. Anjali's transformation

One of the most unforgettable moments from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has always been Anjali's transformation. The messaging around it is, undoubtedly, flawed. No one's arguing that. But let's take a moment to think about some of the ex-tomboyish girls we used to know and their transformations over time. It happens, and is most definitely not unheard of. Oftentimes, it's just a part of growing up.

Even though Anjali undergoes a personality transplant as well, the pain of losing her first love changes her. Analysing the film from a more human lens makes all these absurd ideas fall in line.

Anjali finds herself outside Rahul and Aman, in the absence of both men. Sure, heartbreak shapes her. But that is, essentially, what heartbreak does. If we get a stronger, sensually secure, and expressive Anjali in the process, where is the harm?

6. Rahul and Anjali's love story

It's complicated, losing your ridiculously good-looking wife as she provides you with a child, only to fall in love with your ridiculously good-looking ex-best friend. No, really, it is.

In many ways, Rahul and Anjali's love story is quite profound. It follows the idea of meeting the right person at the wrong time. Perhaps, Rahul and Anjali were always destined to be together. Tina saw that, and constantly asked people to ensure she wasn't getting in the way of love. She was so cognizant of Rahul's love for Anjali that she even asked to have her daughter named after her husband's former best friend.

Love is, inherently, multifaceted and complex. While no one should wait for their spouse to die, just so that they can propose to their ext-best friend on her wedding day, it's also unfair to attribute all that to Rahul. Little Anjali and Rahul's mother actively meddle to make all that possible, as per a deceased Tina's wishes.

If there's anyone at whom we should be pointing fingers, it's Tina, who left behind letters for a child, who, at her eldest, is eight years old.

7. The outcome

In an intense, drama-filled climax, the audience watches Rahul and Anjali come together, tenderly and tearfully embracing, having finally found each other after all the time they have spent apart.

It's a memorable end to a love story worth writing about, sure. But all of this is also taking place at Anjali and Aman's wedding. In Aman's presence. At a wedding that, one assumes, he had a part in paying for, with guests he possibly knows. It's humiliating to the highest degree. Aman is the true victim in this story.

As gracious as Aman is about everything, you know, for a fact, that guests at the wedding went home shaming all three - Rahul, Anjali, and Aman - for everything that unfolded. And honestly, it'd be justified. Resolve all this behind closed doors. The climax makes for great storytelling, but boy, would it be hard to live down on a social level, had any of it been real.

None of this takes away from the fact that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a film for the books. As the cast and crew celebrate 25 years of the beloved offering, the time for a rewatch is, undoubtedly, nigh.

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