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Karan Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, released in 1998, starring
Shahrukh Khan,
Kajol, and
Rani Mukerji , became a cult classic and is still loved by fans 25 years later. However, as times have changed, Karan Johar has come to realize the flawed gender politics portrayed in the film. In a recent interview, he openly admitted to the shortcomings of the movie, highlighting the problematic character arcs and dialogues. This article will delve into the criticisms raised by Karan Johar and explore the impact of the film's gender politics.
The Flawed Gender Politics
Karan Johar acknowledged that the gender politics in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai were flawed. He pointed out Shah Rukh Khan's character, Rahul, and his romantic choices. Rahul's preference for the "hot girl" (Rani Mukerji) over his best friend (Kajol) solely based on physical appearance was deemed problematic. Karan Johar expressed regret for perpetuating this narrative, admitting that it was influenced by his own impressionable mind shaped by Hindi cinema rather than an understanding of real-world gender dynamics.
Evolution of Karan Johar's Perspective
Karan Johar attributed his initial acceptance of flawed gender politics to his lack of awareness and understanding at the time of making Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He confessed that he used to view stalking as a form of romance, but it was only later that he realized the harmful implications of such behavior. This evolution in his perspective highlights the importance of continuous growth and learning, even for established filmmakers like Karan Johar.
Shah Rukh Khan's Dialogue: "Hum ek baar jeete hai, ek baar marte hai"
One of the iconic dialogues from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is Shah Rukh Khan's line, "Hum ek baar jeete hai, ek baar marte hai, shaadi bhi ek baar hoti hai… aur pyar ek baar hi hota hai" (We live once, die once, get married once… and fall in love only once). However, Karan Johar admitted that this dialogue contradicts the narrative of the film since Rahul ends up getting married twice and falling in love twice. He acknowledged the inconsistency and questioned his own writing choices, realizing that the dialogue made no sense in retrospect.
Critique of Character Development
Karan Johar expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of logic and backstory for the characters in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He acknowledged that the audience never learns about the characters' professions or motivations, which can leave certain aspects of the story feeling incomplete. Additionally, he questioned the significance of the eight letters that were a central plot point, as they lacked a coherent explanation.
The Importance of Challenging Characters
Reflecting on his directorial choices, Karan Johar recognized the missed opportunity to create more well-rounded and empowered characters. He admitted that Rahul's lack of agency and inability to stand up for himself was a disservice to Shah Rukh Khan's talent as an actor. In hindsight, Karan Johar realized the importance of confrontation and character growth, stating that if he were to make the film today, he would give Rahul a stronger backbone and emotional intelligence.
Karan Johar's Journey of Growth
Karan Johar's critical analysis of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai showcases his personal growth as a filmmaker. He acknowledged that his sensibilities have changed over time, attributing this evolution to surrounding himself with newer and younger energies. By practicing an open-door policy and embracing his own unique vision, he has become more comfortable in his own skin and no longer compares himself to others. This growth has allowed him to recognize and address the flaws in his earlier work.
Impact of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Despite the criticisms, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai remains a beloved film for many fans. Its impact on popular culture cannot be denied, as it introduced iconic dialogues, memorable music, and a fresh visual style. The film's success also established Karan Johar as a prominent director in Bollywood and paved the way for his subsequent ventures.
Conclusion
Karan Johar's candid assessment of the gender politics in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai highlights the importance of critically examining popular films and their societal implications. By acknowledging and learning from his past mistakes, Johar has demonstrated personal growth and a commitment to evolving perspectives. This critical analysis encourages a broader conversation about gender dynamics in cinema and the responsibility of filmmakers to portray characters with depth, agency, and authenticity.