One of Bollywood’s most cherished family dramas, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ (K3G), directed by Karan Johar, celebrates 23 years since its release. The film, which hit the screens on December 14, 2001, has become a timeless classic, winning hearts across generations with its portrayal of familial bonds, love, and separation, ANI reported.

‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ brought together an ensemble cast that included Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. With its iconic dialogues, unforgettable music, and grand cinematic appeal, the film remains a benchmark in Bollywood storytelling.

Reflecting on the milestone, Karan Johar shared an emotional Instagram post featuring behind-the-scenes pictures. He expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans who have continued to celebrate the film over the years. In his post, Johar wrote, “23 years!!! Phew… truly one of those pinch-me moments—right now and even back then. Being on set with these legends was surreal. It was my second film as a director, and I was immensely fortunate to have this magnanimous cast and crew put so much faith in me to deliver khushi and gham in abundance.”

Johar also extended heartfelt thanks to audiences, saying, “The biggest shoutout goes to the fans who continue to watch the film, recite every dialogue, and dance to every song. Thank you for keeping this film alive in its truest sense.”

The film’s success was powered by standout performances. Shah Rukh Khan‘s portrayal of Rahul Raichand, Kajol’s spirited Anjali Sharma, Amitabh Bachchan’s commanding Yashvardhan Raichand, and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s stylish Pooja Sharma left an indelible mark. Songs like ‘Bole Chudiyan,’ ‘Shava Shava,’ and ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’ became instant classics and continue to resonate with fans.

Released during the early 2000s, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ redefined family dramas in Indian cinema. Its themes of intergenerational relationships and emotional reconciliation struck a chord with viewers worldwide, making it a box office success and a cultural phenomenon.

Karan Johar, who made his directorial debut with ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ in 1998, achieved monumental success with K3G. Over the years, the film has inspired countless filmmakers and remains a reference point for grandeur and emotional depth in Bollywood.

While celebrating the legacy of K3G, Johar’s journey as a filmmaker has continued to evolve. After a seven-year hiatus, he returned to directing with the 2023 romantic comedy ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The film, which also starred Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, and Dharmendra, was well-received by both critics and audiences, marking another milestone in Johar’s career.

As ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ turns 23, its legacy remains undiminished, serving as a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and cinematic storytelling.