Across his six directed films to date, the filmmaker Karan Johar has presented his interpretation of love uniquely in each, spanning from unrequited to intense.
**Happy Birthday Karan Johar!**
Karan Johar, influenced by the legendary Yash Chopra, has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood with his elaborate romantic dramas. While Yash Chopra’s films like ‘Deewar’, ‘Trishul’, and ‘Kaala Patthar’ were remembered for their gripping storytelling and intense sentiments, his legacy of gorgeously mounted romantic sagas left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Johar, who first appeared in Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut in 1995, adopted and evolved the quintessential romantic narratives that Yash Raj Films popularized. His directorial ventures from 1998 to 2023 showcase the many shades of love, each told through different lenses and circumstances.
Here are his six films and how they captured love differently:
**Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)**
First love is always special. ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ marked Johar’s debut as a director, and instantly became a timeless representation of youthful love. This story revolves around Rahul, played by Shah Rukh Khan; Tina, portrayed by Rani Mukherji; and Anjali, performed by Kajol. The tale of a love triangle set in a college captures the essence of untainted first loves. Iconic dialogues like “Pyaar Dosti Hai,” and “Hum Ek Baar Jeete Hain, Ek Baar Marte Hain” became cultural staples, cementing Shah Rukh Khan’s delivery in cinematic history. The film echoed a belief that true love stems from friendship, a notion that resonated deeply with audiences.
**Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)**
For his second directorial project, Johar scaled grander heights both in terms of visual canvas and emotional depth. Abbreviated fondly as ‘K3G’, it presented a larger-than-life family saga encapsulating comedy, romance, and abundant tears. The narrative, spanning generations and continents, emphasized the importance of familial love, succinctly summarized by its tagline, “It’s all about loving your family.” The film’s intricate portrayal of family dynamics, coupled with its star-studded cast, rejuvenated the charm of old-world cinematic grandeur for the modern audience.
**Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)**
With ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’, Johar ventured into uncharted territory by exploring marital infidelity, drawing comparisons to Yash Chopra’s ‘Silsila’. This film diverged from the idealism of Johar’s previous love stories to examine the complications of unfulfilled marriages and extramarital attractions. Shah Rukh Khan played a frustrated former footballer, Dev, whose life spirals after an injury halts his career.
. Rani Mukerji’s character Maya, similarly trapped in an emotionally detached marriage, begins an affair with Dev. This bold take on infidelity presented nuanced perspectives on love and loyalty, questioning societal norms and evoking mixed reactions from audiences.
**My Name Is Khan (2010)**
‘My Name Is Khan’ shifted focus from romantic love to a broader narrative about compassion and understanding. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol delivered captivating performances in this story about a Muslim man with Asperger’s syndrome embarking on a journey across America to clear his name post-9/11. Khan’s character Rizwan embarks on this quest driven by a promise to his wife, Mandira, portrayed by Kajol. The film subtly explored themes of love and humanity against a backdrop of prejudice and adversity, making a poignant statement about love transcending personal and societal boundaries.
**Student of The Year (2012)**
More than just a vehicle to introduce new talent, ‘Student of The Year’ was also a relaunch for Karan Johar himself. By moving away from his usual leading man Shah Rukh Khan, Johar focused on a younger ensemble cast of debutants—Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, and Varun Dhawan. Set against the backdrop of an extravagant college campus, the film portrayed a youthful, competitive love triangle. Its grandeur and escapism provided a fantastical exploration of ambition, friendship, and budding romance, underlining Johar’s ability to envision and portray opulent settings and compelling interpersonal drama.
**Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)**
‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ dissected the agonizing experiences of unrequited love. Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Ayan, a music enthusiast, captured the anguish and yearning of one-sided love. Anushka Sharma’s character Alizeh does not reciprocate his feelings, leading to poignant moments of heartbreak and introspection. The film delved into themes of friendship, longing, and the complexities of love that is never fully realized. SRK’s cameo succinctly summing unrequited love as the purest form elevated the emotional quotient, all while making the audience reflect on their own encounters with love and loss.
In each of these films, Karan Johar successfully encapsulated different flavours and facets of love. His stories not only entertain but also provide reflections on the multifaceted nature of human emotions, making him a significant figure in contemporary Bollywood. As he continues to evolve as a filmmaker, audiences eagerly anticipate how he will next explore the eternal emotion of love.
