Karan Johar Birthday Special: 6 must-watch gems of the filmmaker, from Kal Ho Naa Ho to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Today is Karan Johar’s 52nd birthday, so let’s celebrate his cinematic treasures that were a gift to the business.

Karan Johar, one of the most popular filmmakers in the Indian film industry, celebrates his 52nd birthday today. Aside from his lovely demeanor and humorous antics, he is well-known throughout the country for his cinematic masterpieces, which allow the audience to escape reality and immerse themselves in a fantasy world. Isn’t that the purpose of entertainment? (Also Read: When Karan Johar confessed why he has given up on marriage: ‘I’m not being cynical, I’m being practical.’)

So, on his special day, let’s review some of his biggest works that have left a permanent place in our hearts:

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
KJo’s debut film won the National Award for ‘wholesome entertainment’. Do we need to say anything else? The man knows complex human emotions like no one else, which is why he was able to craft this legendary gem in which Rahul, played by Shah Rukh Khan, fell head over heels for Tina aka Rani Mukerji while his best friend Anjali, played by Kajol, was secretly in love with him.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Family dramas are tough because they can go overboard at times. But Karan achieved the ideal balance with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. It was emotional, theatrical, and lavish, yet it was also realistic, touching, and funny. This film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Jaya Bachchan, established goals for both love stories and families.

Kal Ho, Naa Ho (2003)
Another superbly scripted film by Karan, this one received two national awards. Shah Rukh won us over as Aman, while Saif Ali Khan’s character Rohit was pretty entertaining to see. Meanwhile, Preity G Zinta and Jaya Bachchan delivered excellent performances as Naina and Jenny, respectively. However, the beautifully crafted story and the wonderfully conceived characters came out on top. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t shed a few tears at the end.

My Name is Khan (2010)
Every time Karan, Shah Rukh, and Kajol come together, they produce magic. But this video was genuinely a work of art, and it merits special recognition. SRK was amazing, and KJo deserves the majority of the credit for bringing out the best in the actor. They make a fantastic team! If you haven’t seen My Name Is Khan yet, you’re losing out since the film didn’t break box office records based only on star power. This one is worth it!
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
This film, starring Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Fawad Khan, was significant for two reasons: it signified KJo’s comeback to the director’s chair after a long absence, and it taught us ‘pyaar mein junoon hai, lekin dosti mein sukoon hai’. The tale was heartfelt, and Anushka and Ranbir’s on-screen connection was lovely. Additionally, Aish was breathtaking.

Rocky and Rani’s Prem Kahaani (2023).
KJo directed pieces for anthologies, but Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was his first feature film since Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Once again, the man demonstrated his talent as a filmmaker, letting us fall in love with his work. Alia Bhatt was fantastic as Rani Chatterjee, while Ranveer Singh was magnificent as Rocky Randhawa. The music, the romance, the storyline, and the direction were all excellent.

On Karan’s birthday today, we wish him all the love, happiness, and success in the world as we impatiently await his next big smash.