The dynamic and nostalgia-laden pair of Rani Mukerji and Kajol graced the Koffee With Karan season 8, divulging some entertaining behind-the-scenes tidbits from their iconic film ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. This episode garnered significant attention not just for its star-studded cast but also for the candid revelations made by Rani Mukerji on her birthday celebration episode. The actress light-heartedly exposed an amusing yet strict dietary intervention by Karan Johar, the director of the movie and host of the talk show.
As jovial moments unfolded on the renowned Koffee couch, Rani Mukerji playfully accused Karan Johar of snatching food right from her hands and even hitting her during the strenuous shoot of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ (KKHH). The nature of their rapport was evident as she quipped, “You snatched food from my hand; you hit me.” Karan Johar, renowned for his quick wit, was quick to retort, “I didn’t hit you.” However, Mukerji persisted with a humorous “What lies!”, showing a lighter side to their camaraderie.
Kajol, sitting alongside, chimed in with a mock accusation exclaiming, “Abuse! It was abuse”, further adding levity to the situation. This playful banter amongst the trio brought forth not just chuckles but also a surprising insight into the past mindset and practices concerning fitness standards in the film industry.
Providing context to his earlier actions, Karan Johar candidly confessed his worry over Rani fitting into the character of Tina’s short skirts. He admitted that, at the time, his understanding and sensitivity to body image were not as developed as they are today. “I had told Rani, you have to wear this short skirt in Mauritius; just lose some weight to wear it,” Johar explained. Despite Rani’s assurance that she would shed the required weight, Johar humorously recounted how the opposite happened. In a seemingly drastic measure, he requested the hotel room service to refrain from serving Mukerji food, an action that even her mother supported, evidently in agreement with Johar’s intentions.
Rani Mukerji added to the narration, recalling the instance where her breakfast – the vital first meal of the day – was snatched away by Johar, highlighting the strictness that underscored her diet regimen during the movie’s production.
‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, released on October 16, 1998, was not just a box office sensation but also a cultural phenomenon. Starring Shah Rukh Khan alongside Rani and Kajol, and featuring names like Salman Khan, Archana Puran Singh, Anupam Kher, and Johny Lever, the film collected numerous accolades. It left an indelible mark on the hearts of its audience, setting trends that have persisted over the decades. From popularizing friendship bands to influencing hairstyles like Anjali’s bob-cut, the movie not only reflected the fashion zeitgeist but also actively molded it.
As the episode advanced, viewers gleaned further into the carefree days of the film’s shooting schedule, and the degree of liberty the director assumed, albeit humorously, to ensure the aesthetic vision of his characters was realized. Despite the jesting around the food-snatching incident, it was evident that Rani Mukerji carried no grudges and shared the anecdote with laughter and fondness.
In retrospect, episodes like this serve as reminders of a bygone era in Bollywood, where the pressures of physique often led filmmakers to take unconventional approaches. These shared moments on ‘Koffee With Karan’ not only provide entertainment but also encourage reflection on the evolution of body positivity within the industry. As nostalgia and humor intertwined, Rani Mukerji’s birthday episode became a memorable walk down memory lane, radiating the long-standing friendship and understanding that is often shared among Bollywood’s elite.
