Twenty-four years ago, on this day, Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham arrived in theatres. In the two-and-a-half decades since, the family drama has remained a staple on television and a comfort watch on streaming platforms.
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor in key roles, this cult classic achieved what many filmmakers today can only dream of… timeless relevance.
In an era where films often fail to make a mark beyond the opening Friday, K3G stands as a beloved Bollywood blockbuster that proves emotional connection often outlives trends, action, and meta references.
At the heart of its enduring appeal is its unapologetic emotional core. The film never shies away from melodrama, yet grounds its grand moments in deeply familiar relationships. From Anjali’s clumsy, funny, old-Delhi-coded personality to Poo’s unapologetic main character energy, every character struck a chord with audiences. When Yashvardhan Raichand refused to accept Rahul’s love, it reflected a generational conflict that many Indian families related to. The emotional reunion in the climax, especially Jaya’s moment with her son, brought tears. Millennials wanted to be as cool as Rahul, and almost everyone saw a Daijaan-like elder in their own family. These characters were more than fictional roles, they felt real.
Another crucial factor was its stellar casting. From Kajol to Kareena Kapoor, every actor fit their role so perfectly that it’s impossible to imagine the film without them. Their performances weren’t just memorable, they became instantly iconic. Today, even individual scenes are endlessly rewatchable.
Music played an equally important role. Songs like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Shava Shava and Bole Chudiyan aren’t just tracks, they’re emotional triggers tied to weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. The styling added to the magic too. From Kajol’s chiffon sarees and Kareena’s Y2K picks to Hrithik’s uber-cool outfits, every look stood out. Even today, fans continue to recreate outfits that live rent-free in their minds.
For Bollywood today, K3G is a reminder that rewatch value isn’t built on twists or shock alone. It comes from characters audiences emotionally invest in, moments they want to revisit, and stories that feel personal. In an era chasing opening-day numbers, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham proves that longevity is the real blockbuster.