As Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked its 26th anniversary on October 16, 2024, Bollywood fans celebrated not just its story but its unforgettable fashion moments. The classic, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, remains a staple of romantic cinema, and to commemorate the occasion, the film’s costume designer, Manish Malhotra, shared some fascinating insights into the creative process behind the iconic looks.
Manish Malhotra Celebrates Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Manish took to social media to recount his experience working on the film’s wardrobe. Reflecting on the early stages, he mentioned how the team had travelled to London to shop for the film’s costumes. Director Karan Johar had a vision of creating youthful and sporty aesthetics for the characters, and the team sourced a variety of outfits from England. During Kajol’s fittings, Manish experimented with different adjustments, including incorporating zippers into her outfits for a better fit. He also recalled how her hairstyle evolved over the first few days of shooting.
One amusing behind-the-scenes story involved Rani Mukerji, who wore a mangalsutra in a song sequence filmed in Scotland. In a last-minute decision, the team used her mother’s mangalsutra, which happened to match her saree perfectly. The incident highlighted the importance of quick, creative solutions in filmmaking, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise intense planning process.
Manish also revealed how, as a newcomer, Rani’s look required meticulous attention to achieve the right balance of glamour. Numerous fittings for her outfits, hair, and makeup were necessary, but Karan Johar maintained a light and fun atmosphere, making the process enjoyable for the team.
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One of the most intriguing stories was about Kajol’s engagement lehenga, which was inspired by a Persian carpet the team noticed while in London. The pattern and color palette from the carpet sparked the idea for the lehenga’s design, which they later recreated using peach velvet. The creative energy of that moment, as Manish draped the fabric back in India, left a lasting impression on the team.
Manish Malhotra’s reflection on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and spontaneity that brought its iconic looks to life.