As Bollywood's beloved filmmaker Karan Johar celebrates his birthday, it's the perfect time to revisit some of his most iconic love stories.
Johar, who has been at the helm of Dharma Productions, has given us films filled with love, heartbreak, and the complexities of relationships. Here are five films that solidify Karan Johar's status as one of the best directors of love films.
1. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998):
Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, is nothing short of legendary. The film explores the themes of first love and friendship through the lives of Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), Anjali (Kajol), and Tina (Rani Mukerji). The narrative seamlessly transitions from college days filled with youthful exuberance to a heartfelt journey of rediscovery and second chances. Its memorable dialogues and iconic songs have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, making it a timeless love story.
2. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001):
A multi-starrer extravaganza, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, is a family drama interwoven with romance. The film showcases the saga of a wealthy family led by Yashvardhan Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan) and his wife Nandini (Jaya Bachchan), focusing on their sons Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Rohan (Hrithik Roshan). The love stories between Rahul and Anjali (Kajol) and Rohan and Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) are beautifully portrayed, emphasizing the themes of love transcending societal norms and familial bonds.
3. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006):
Breaking away from traditional love stories, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna delves into the complexities of extramarital affairs and the search for true love. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, and Preity Zinta in a narrative that challenges societal perceptions of marriage and fidelity. Johar's sensitive handling of such a bold topic, combined with powerful performances and soulful music, makes it a standout in his filmography.
4. My Name Is Khan (2010):
Though primarily a story about identity and acceptance, My Name Is Khan also features a poignant love story between Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a man with Asperger's syndrome, and Mandira (Kajol). Johar deftly weaves their romance into a larger narrative about overcoming prejudice and the power of love to heal and unite.
5. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016):
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil explores unrequited love and the bittersweet nature of relationships. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and follows the journey of Ayan (Kapoor) as he navigates love, friendship, and heartbreak. Johar's direction beautifully captures the intensity of one-sided love and the complexities of modern relationships.
Karan Johar's contribution to Bollywood as the maestro of love stories is undeniable. His films not only entertain but also delve into the myriad emotions and challenges that accompany love and relationships. As we celebrate his birthday, these five films show how he portrays the many shades of love on the silver screen.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.