25th Anniversary of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’: A Special Tribute
‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ was released on my 7th birthday. I didn’t know about it at the time. I discovered the movie when I was 8 years old, and it was among the pirated VHS tapes my parents had brought with us to our new home in a foreign country. I cherished the movie just like Anjali cherished her mother’s letters.
Calling it my comfort film is an understatement. Comfort movies are supposed to bring nostalgia and remind us of happy times, but ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ has always been a part of my life. It goes beyond time, place, or feeling. It feels like home, a film that I can’t separate myself from no matter how hard I try.
Looking back, it’s silly to think that an 8-year-old could reunite her father with his lost love. But as a child, watching Anjali confidently plan her trip to Shimla gave me the courage to face a school where I didn’t understand the language. I would replay Tina’s scene in my head whenever I was teased for being different. The movie showed me kindness during tough times and taught me about compassion and loneliness as I grew older.
‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ deserves more credit for how it balances childishness with moments of maturity. Anjali’s plan is helped by adults who understand Rahul’s loneliness. The college love triangle is also a story about broken friendships. Tina’s heart breaks as she realizes she will hurt Anjali, and Anjali can’t break Aman’s heart because she cares too much about him. The film taught me that heartbreak isn’t intentional and healing requires support from others.
As film enthusiasts, we often analyze and interpret art, but ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ understood me before I even understood myself. This romantic comedy from 25 years ago has a personal connection for me that goes beyond the filmmaker’s intentions. It’s my movie. On my 32nd birthday, it’s a companion that knows me and sees the best in me, regardless of its popularity or cultural impact.
When a film speaks to my heart, its objective merits and flaws don’t matter. All I can do is listen and appreciate its impact on my life.
Source: IndiaAtNetLive | Media, Entertainment, Showbiz, Brit, Events and Music
