Bads of Bollywood: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Is Iconic Even Though Its Characters Raise Eyebrows

A lot has been said about the plot of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most iconic films. Karan Johar’s directorial follows three best friends whose love lives get hilariously

complicated. Tina, played by Rani Mukerji, and Anjali, played by Kajol, shake up the rules of female friendship by falling for the same guy. One heartbreakingly sacrifices her own happiness and leaves college, while the other only allows her widowed husband to find his “true love” after a dramatic, tear-filled goodbye.The movie redefined the romantic drama genre for a generation, blending friendship, love, and heartbreak with catchy songs, memorable dialogues, and vibrant energy. Its influence on Indian pop culture is hard to overstate. From fashion trends to iconic lines, the film left a lasting mark. But does it really set the standard for romance in Bollywood? Despite its fame, a closer look at the characters shows they can be… well, a little ridiculous at times. Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), the quintessential romantic hero, tries really hard to look “cool.” He’s the college bad boy who seems to think the world revolves around him. His Polo shirts, teasing banter, and “Rahul, naam toh suna hoga” attitude are iconic, yes, but also a little over the top. And his fathering skills? Questionable. How does an eight-year-old girl travel alone to Mumbai to meet him, and then wait on a random street for hours?Little Anjali (his daughter) steals the show, though. Smart, sassy, and far more capable than most adults in the movie, she orchestrates a plan to reunite her dad with his true love. Her adorable outfits remind us she’s just eight, but her wit and cunning often make her seem older than her years.Tina (Rani Mukerji), confident and stylish, shines in her mini skirts and sultry dresses, but sometimes her actions leave viewers scratching their heads. Leaving Oxford mid-term? Not noticing her best friend’s obvious crush? Her letters to Anjali might make audiences chuckle more than cry.Kajol’s Anjali also has her moments of charming chaos. College sequences show her acting impulsively and a little over the top, but it’s all part of the fun. From forgetting she’s engaged to picking Rahul over the “green flag” Aman, she keeps audiences guessing and laughing at the same time.Even the supporting characters get their share of funny moments, intentional or not. Principal Malhotra and Ms Briganza, Rifat bi, Dadi, and Colonel Almeida all contribute to the film’s awkward-but-endearing charm.Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s lasting impact on Bollywood culture, music, and fashion is undeniable. The logic of its characters might be questionable, and some choices hilariously over the top, but that’s all part of the magic. Despite the quirks, the film continues to be celebrated, dissected, and adored by generations of fans.