Karan Johar ADMITS there’s ‘cringe-worthy moments’ in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; reveals Shabana Azmi questioning film’s gender politics

In a recent interview, KJo opened up about the gender dynamics portrayed in his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Karan Johar recalled a moment when veteran actress Shabana Azmi confronted him regarding the film’s handling of gender politics, highlighting a perceived hypocrisy in its narrative.

Karan Johar recalls getting schooled by Shabana Azmi

During his candid conversation with YouTuber and comedian Lilly Singh, Karan reflected on his filmmaking journey, particularly how the responsibilities associated with filmmaking affect creators. When questioned about his awareness of the impact of his films on audiences and culture, Karan admitted, “I take great pride in the love I’ve received, but I also critically evaluate the gender politics, some aspects of communication, and certain cringe-worthy moments in the film.”

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He recounted an interaction with Shabana Azmi shortly after the release of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. “She called me to congratulate me on my debut, but she also posed some pointed questions. Her first question was, ‘What kind of politics are you portraying?'” Karan expressed his regret, stating, “I sincerely apologize. I wasn’t considering these aspects back then. I grew up influenced by a certain style of cinema, and my intention was merely to reflect that. There was indeed some latent hypocrisy.”

The discussion also touched upon Karan’s personal motivations for making films. He shared that his primary goal was to restore his father’s reputation. “I wanted to create a massive hit because my father, who was well-loved, faced challenges with a string of unsuccessful productions. We went through tough times,” he explained. “My focus was on making a blockbuster, not on contributing to society or creating politically correct narratives that could leave a significant impression on audiences.”

On the professional front, Karan Johar’s most recent directorial project was Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh.

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