25 Years Of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: Karan Johar Sheds Light On His Cinema Journey, Reminisces About SRK, Rani Mukerji, Kajol Starrer

For a quarter of a century, Karan Johar has consistently stirred up controversy within the confines of his famous talk show, Koffee with Karan, ultimately earning the well-deserved moniker "The King Of Pop Culture." As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of his directorial debut, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," which featured a star-studded cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Salman Khan, and more. In a candid conversation with Zoom, KJo discusses his casting choices, his father Yash Johar's initial reaction to the film, the crucial role Aditya Chopra played in guiding him through the filmmaking process, and the reasons behind his decision to surround himself with a team that says 'yes' more often. ALSO READ: Karan Johar Reveals His 'Unfulfilled Desire' From Bucket List, Filmmaker Still Regrets Not Working With THIS Late Legend - DEETS INSIDE

When asked how many times he has watched Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan says twice sharing that he is never obsessed with his own work but in fact searches for mistake in his own work. Reminiscing about the film he said, "When I look back at pictures from the sets of KKHH, I can't recognise who that person is. He was plus-size, simple-untouched, innocent, 100 kg-plus...completely free of any value." He also talked about the clarity of thoughts and how since two long decades ever since his directorial debut he seeks judgement and seeking validation only from himself. ALSO READ: Vivek Agnihotri Crops Karan Johar From His Photo As He Celebrates 69th National Film Awards Win – SEE PICS

Giving the title of 'King of Pop Culture in Bollywood', filmmaker reacts saying, "Thanks, I think I make sure I am surrounded by no-men." Karan Johar also talks about the memories from the first screening of KKHH. Speaking about it the 51-year old said, "The first screening had my mom, dad, my friends Manish Malhotra, Aditya Chopra, Kajal Anand. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol were not there. There were lots of tears at the end of the screening. So others were wondering if the film was sopo bad or good." 

He further adds, "My mother was speechless. Yeah, it was just tears. The compliments came later. Adi (Aditya Chopra) helped me edit the film. After seeing it, he suggested I cut 15 minutes in the first-half. And I did. When he helped modify the first-half I knew how to edit the second half." On the work front, Karan Johar made his directorial return with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles. the film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi in key roles.