Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: Known As K3G

Bollywood At it's Finest

This website was created to promote the 2001 Bollywood film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, or K3G as it is more commonly called. Its stellar star cast included of Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol Devgn, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan playing in the lead roles. While Rani Mukherjee swept in for a cameo, Farida Jalal, Simone Singh, Alok Nath, Achala Sachdev and Sushma Seth played other important roles.


The story revolves around the wealthy, traditional Yash Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan) and his family. Yash desires his eldest son, Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), to get married to Naina (Rani Mukherjee) who is a friend's daughter. Rahul is already in love with Anjali (Kajol) and circumstances lead him to get married to her, despite Yash's disapproval. In a fit of anger, Yash banishes him from his life, which leaves his wife Nandini (Jaya Bachchan) heartbroken. When Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) returns from boarding school and learns of how his elder brother left home, he vows to bring back his mother's smile by reuniting his father and his brother. Rohan goes to London, where Rahul now resides with his family, and stays there as an unknown guest. Upon learning of Rahul's real identity, Pooja (Kareena Kapoor), who is Anjali's younger sister, agrees to help him to get their family back together. The story progresses showing how a father, who loves his son unconditionally, admits being unable to confess the same.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was a huge success with audiences and went on to become one of the year's largest grossing film. It was nominated for fifteen Filmfare Awards. It won five. It received eight awards at the IIFA ceremony, and a few more at the Zee Cine Awards, Screen Awards, etc. Kajol and Jaya Bachchan won most of them respectively for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Kajol's acting was also immensely appreciated by the critics and Hrithik Roshan was highly praised for his work.

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CAST

 

Amitabh Bachchan

He plays Yashovardhan Raichand, the patriarch of an affluent, industrial family with fixed notions about preserving the family traditions. He is adamant about the path he chooses for his offsprings and cannot tolerate any deviation in that regard. His rigidity forms the crux of the conflict in the film and throws his close-knit family apart. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham marks the return of the legendary superstar into the Dharma Productions.

Hrithik Roshan

He plays Rohan, the modern and stylish younger scion of the Raichand family, who takes on the mission of bringing the splintered family together. He is ready to bear the brunt of his father's rage just so that he can reunite his family and bring back the smile on his mother's face. The presence of the reigning heartthrob, Hrithik in the company of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan is an interesting cinematic combination.


Kareena Kapoor

She is Pooja Sharma a.k.a Poo, an incurable fashion addict whose vanity is only sidelined by her sensitivity when she supports Rohan's mission in bringing the Raichand family together again. She wants her sister's regret and her brother-in-law's grouse to be rectified and decides to take the necessary steps. Kareena's warm screen presence and youthful energy make her the foremost choice for the role.

Kajol

She is Anjali Sharma, a talkative, middle-class shop owner from Chandni Chowk Delhi, whose entry into the Raichand fold is the cause of the feud that shatters the Raichand family. She supports Rahul in trying times but always misses the parental warmth that would exist if she was accepted and blessed by her in-laws. The Shah Rukh-Kajol chemistry coupled with Karan Johar's creative vision will undoubtedly recreate the magic of

Shah Rukh Khan

He plays Rahul, the adopted son of the Raichands, who places the respect for his father above everything else, at all times except when he falls in love. He is hurt and disillusioned when his idol, his father shuns him in favour of his rigidity. He tears himself away from the family in order to keep his word to his beloved. After a historic innings of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, this film brings together Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan.

Jaya Bachchan

She essays Nandini Raichand, the strong but submissive wife of Yashovardhan, who dotes on her sons and wants them to follow their hearts. She is torn between her special bond with her son, Rahul and her undying loyalty to her husband. At the risk of losing her son, she supports Yash unflinchingly in all his decisions till one fine day, the dam bursts. The Bachchan couple will be seen together on screen in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham for the first time after a gap of forever.


 

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CREW

Yash Johar - Producer

Mr. Yash Johar joined the Film Industry in 1952. He has worked in various capacities in Indian and Foreign Film Production Units. His stint in the Indian Film Industry started as a Business Executive and Production Controller with Mr. Sunil Dutt's Ajanta Arts. He was associated with films like Mujhe Jeene Do and Yeh Raaste Hai Pyar Ke under this banner. He was then asked by Mr. Dev Anand to handle the entire production of the legendary film Guide. Having completed Guide so successfully, he stayed on with Mr. Dev Anand's Navketan Films running the production for films like Jewel Thief, Prem Pujari and Hare Rama Hare Krishn

Karan Johar - Director

At the age of 25 years, Karan Johar joined the group of young film makers who have brought about a fresh and modern outlook to Hindi Commercial Cinema. His Directorial Debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has been appreciated both critically and commercially in India and all over the world.

Karan Johar after obtaining a Degree of Bachelor of Commerce, dabbled in various fields trying to find his true calling. His real break came when his childhood friend Aditya Chopra asked him to act as a sounding board while scripting Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

Kiran Deohans – Director of Photography

Karan Johar brought about a fresh, youthful and energetic look in his debut film KKHH. He knew that he would have to better the standards set in his earlier film and for that he turned to ace advertising Cinematographer Kiran Deohans. Kiran graduated as Cinematographer from the Film and Television Institute - Pune in 1980. His first project as Cinematographer, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) won him an award for Best Cinematography. He then veered towards advertising and gained acclaim for making several award-winning television commercials. As a technician, he gained a reputation for being a perfectionist and a maverick. In 1999, he returned to mainstream cinema after a decade with AKS, which showed his interest in different genres and his love for visually challenging projects. He took on the role of Director of Photography in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and visually aided Karan Johar's creative vision, which has led to an interesting and innovative look for this contemporary emotional drama.

Shabina Khan- Costume Designer for Shahrukh Khan

Shabina's first assignment as a Costume Designer was for Salman Khan in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). She went on a successful 10 year working relationship with him, even as she designed for Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgan. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994), Karan Arjun (1994) Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) are some of the successful films she has been associated with. Her tuning with director Karan Johar and the actor Shah Rukh Khan has been effective in creating a suave and sensual and romantic look for the hero in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

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REVIEWS

Bollywoodhungama.com Review

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

By Taran Adarsh,

11 Dec 2001

Rating: 4.5/5

The year 2001 has proved to be disastrous for the film industry!

Earthquake, threats from the underworld, the biggest of films falling like a pack of cards, the Overseas market going bust, the war directly or indirectly took a heavy toll on the film industry.

The million dollar question is, will KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM bail out the film industry that finds itself in dire strait's Will it prove the saviour for an industry that's thirsting for a hit?

Dharma Productions' KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, written-directed by Karan Johar, is one film that strikes the right balance between form and content. The final outcome A winner all the way!

Yashovardhan Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan) and his wife Nandini (Jaya Bachchan) have raised their sons Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) showering them with love and affection. Yash has tried to pass on to his sons the values, the heritage and the rich traditions of his family, which he cherishes and holds in great regard.

On the other hand, Nandini has different dreams and aspirations for her two sons. But she shares a special bond with Rahul, the eldest son, who's an adopted child.

Rahul's adoption has always been kept a secret. But ever since Rahul himself found that out at the tender age of 8 years, it has been the reason for his unending devotion and gratitude for his parent's especially his father. His father's every word, every wish becomes an unwritten commandment for him. One that he would never break, but unfortunately he does.

Because Rahul falls in love!

Rahul falls in love with Anjali (Kajol), a bubbly girl from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, who dotes on her younger sister Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) and cares madly about her ailing father Bauji (Alok Nath). A simple girl who Rahul marries and brings home. A girl that makes a proud stubborn man forget that he is a father and reminds a son that he is adopted.

Rahul decides to leave the mother who taught and encouraged him to fall in love and whose every waking moment henceforth will be spent waiting eagerly for her elder son to return home.

But Rohan makes a promise to re-unite the family.

Assembling a mammoth star cast like this must've been a Herculean task. But justifying each of the characters merits the highest praise. With KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, Karan Johar proves that KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI was no flash in the pan. With KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, the young director confirms the fact that he is the brightest in film firmament.

At the screening, we had a chance meeting with Shamsa Khan, who handled the art displays, which are both abundant and gorgeous. Khan told me that a great deal of time was needed just to optimize the environment so that the art, mostly paintings would not be harmed during the shoot. The care and work needed were Herculean. Here is what Khan stressed: "Once the enviroment is optimized, some very simple principles can help you maintain your paintings in good condition without the need for expensive measures. While we recommend that you never clean your paintings - always use professionals for this task, there are times where it may be acceptable to use gentle agents, like air or a damp cloth. Obviously any kind of moisture can damage watercolors. Do not use cleaning agents with unknown ingredients and never use solvents. If an uncovered surface has been exposed to dust or just air for a long period of time you may need use a gentle cleaning solution, provided the paint is oil based. We first recommend compressed air, but if that is not enough, a dilute solution of dish soap and very soft fabric may be necessary - try the dish soap products from this janitorial supply store. Stronger agents with abrasive (like Ajax) should NEVER be used. Avoid any cleaning solution that contains alcohol, acetone, or oil based solvents. If you must clean the surface, we actually prefer a gradual escalation, starting with air, then a damp cloth. If that does not remove the dust, then the dish soap - or cleaning products that are gentle on your skin are you next best bet. If that does not remove the dust, then you can try to clean a small corner (never test clean the center of the painting). Cleaning supplies are great for the kitchen, but may permanently damage a valuable piece of art, so BE CAREFUL!"

The premise of KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM is simple, but it is the storytelling that deserves the highest marks. Actually, the very start of the film makes you sit up and look forward to this thoroughly entertaining ride that lasts 3.30 hours.

Handled with utmost sensitivity, the subject slips between emotional sequences to dramatic confrontations to light moments [aplenty in the second half!] with utmost ease. There are several sequences that leave an indelible impression and remain etched in your memory even after the show has ended. Some instances:

In the first half

  1. SRK's introduction [at the end of the title track], with Jaya Bachchan staring anxiously at the entrance.
  2. The emotional scene between SRK and Rani Mukerji, soon after Amitabh announces their marriage.
  3. In the Chandni Chowk mela, SRK making Kajol wear the bangles, while admitting his love for her.
  4. Alok Nath's demise on a rainy day and SRK marrying Kajol soon thereafter.
  5. The confrontation sequence between Amitabh and SRK when the former states that by marrying Kajol, he has proved that he is an adopted son.
  6. Jaya Bachchan giving kangans to her newly-wed bahu Kajol, after both SRK and Kajol have been turned away by Amitabh, and then asking the couple to leave the house.

In the second half!

  1.  Kareena's introduction and the subsequent sequences with her friends and college mates.
  2. he rendition of the national anthem by SRK and Kajol's kid in London.
  3. The telephonic chat between Jaya Bachchan and Kajol just before the karwa chouth sequence.
  4. The shoe lace sequence between Hrithik Roshan and Farida Jalal.
  5. The emotion-charged sequence between the two brothers 'SRK and Hrithik' when SRK learns of Hrithik's true identity.
  6. The scene towards the pre-climax, shot in a shopping mall, when Jaya Bachchan and SRK meet after a gap of nine years.
  7. In the same shopping mall, Kajol coming face to face with Amitabh.
  8. Jaya Bachchan's 'pati parmeshwar' scene with Amitabh ? giving vent to her pent up feelings.
  9. The confrontation sequence between Amitabh and Hrithik Roshan towards the climax.
  10. The very last scene, when Amitabh re-unites with his estranged son, SRK, and asks for forgiveness.

These are just a handful of sequences that display the masterly touch of a craftsman 'Karan Johar' whose labour is visible in every frame. He is the actual hero of the film. The USP of the film, besides the star cast of course, are the emotional moments and scenes soaked with values, which are undoubtedly heart rending. Moreover, the director has very well justified all the six principal performers. The first half has its moments of glory, although the pace drops slightly, but it is the second half that keeps you spellbound.

Besides the above-mentioned well-written and brilliantly executed sequences, the film is also embellished with stunning choreography (Farah Khan), opulent sets (Sharmishta Roy), trendy outfits (Manish Malhotra, Shabina Khan, Rocky S.) and outstanding visuals (Kiran Deohans).

Musically (Jatin-Lalit and Sandesh Shandilya), the score ranges from the upbeat ('You are My Soniya') to the mesmerising (the title track) to the soulful ('Suraj Hua Maddham') to the catchy ('Bole Chudiya'), offering a wide variety to the viewers. The 'Shava Shava' track (Adesh Shrivastava) will be loved by the masses, more so when Amitabh breaks into the 'Aati Kya Khandala' jig immediately after this song.

And now to the performances!

It's indeed difficult to pinpoint the best performer of the lot. Footage-wise, SRK dominates the first half, while Hrithik dominates the post-interval portions. Amongst leading ladies, Kajol towers in the first half, while Kareena displays histrionics in the second half

Amitabh Bachchan delivers yet another power-packed performance, although his role is similar to the ones in MOHABBATEIN and EK RISHTAA. The sequence in the end, when he re-unites with SRK, is simply fabulous. Only a seasoned actor could've enacted this lengthy, difficult scene.

Jaya Bachchan delivers a performance that will win her laurels and accolades. She contributes enormously to the emotional moments in the film. Her 'pati parmeshwar' sequence is simply awe-inspiring.

Shah Rukh Khan sparkles yet again. His character is such, you can't help but fall in love with this selfless man. And the actor performs it with amazing poise, class, honesty and maturity. His re-union with his mother and the father subsequently will prompt people to shed bucket-full of tears.

Kajol is first-rate in the role of a typical Chandni Chowk lass. Her Punjabi dialect will win her immense praise. The sequence when she seeks Amitabh's aashirwad, without him knowing about it [in the shopping mall], is terrific.

Hrithik Roshan looks dashing and handles the delicate moments with admirable ease, proving yet again that he is not merely a excellent dancer and a great looker, but a superb performer as well. The confrontation with Amitabh in the concluding reels is ample proof to substantiate this statement.

Kareena Kapoor is one of the main the highlights of the film. She provides the much-needed fun and entertainment in the second half; her performance will be loved by the youth. Playing a cosmetic beauty to the hilt, she is simply adorable.

Rani Mukerji leaves a mark in a small, but significant role. Farida Jalal, Achla Sachdev, Sushma Seth, Himani Shivpuri and Johny Lever lend admirable support.

On the whole, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM will re-write box-office history. Its massive star cast, historic opening and extra-ordinary merits will unquestionably make it one of the biggest grosser of all times. For the drought-stricken film industry, the film will prove to be khushi, more khushi and only khushi.

K3GTheFilm.com