Filmmaker/producer Karan Johar is known for giving Bollywood, an all-new pehchaan with his films. Be it dialogues, family values or even fashion, Johar’s Dharma has always been about serving good looks, good looks and good looks. With great taste in fashion, Karan’s leading stars are always the most poised and well-dressed members of the film. His close association with costume designer–Manish Malhotra, has always delivered an iconic fashion trend on the big screen. And as we celebrate the filmmaker’s 51st birthday today, let’s look at some of his most iconic fashionable characters from his directorial projects.
1. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Through his directorial debut in the year 1998, Karan Johar taught us the first lesson on love and friendship, sprinkled with toxic man-child behaviour. Starring Rani Mukerji, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, this love triangle was wrapped with impressive sartorial choices and was responsible for the introduction of the cult-favourite friendship bands. With great importance in the world of pop culture, Karan Johar worked alongside a team of fabulous costume designers like Manish Malhotra and Shabina Khan to paint the wardrobes of his trio. Most importantly for Rani as Tina, Johar introduced us to the idea of micro skirts, floral chokers and colourful platform heels that every millennial fell in love with. The rest was a cringe-fest hosted by Shah Rukh Khan’s Rahul in tacky shirts and Kajol’s Anjali wearing the tomboy hairbands.
2. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…
In 2001, Johar and his production house Dharma reinvented the idea of Bollywood films, through family drama, massive sets, dance numbers and great fashion. Through K3G, Johar and his longtime designer buddy Manish Malhotra, gifted us the iconic Poo wardrobe, and many presently relevant fashion trends. From the backless tops, and sassy dialogues by Poo to Raichand khandaan’s royal fashion, everything was prim and perfect on the big screen.
3. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
In 2006, we again saw a new wave in the Karan Johar style of filmmaking through Kabhi Alvida Maa Kehna. With the film about love, cheating and modern-day relationships, Johar made sure to add a tadka of his signature glam through the wardrobes of his pivotal characters. Through Preity Zinta’s Riya Saran, Johar weaved a powerful wardrobe, that spoke through winter coats and glitter skirts. Contrary to this was Rani’s character Maya Talwar, who brought home the nuance of Hindi-film favourite sarees, in the colours of spring and her iconic red lehenga, for an emotional scene on the bench.
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4. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
In 2016, Karan Johar again returned to the director’s chair for another love triangle. This time, he presented an interesting blend between friendship and forever wala pyaar. Taking up pivotal roles were actors Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who played lovers and friends while mouthing the most melodious lyrics in the film. Fashion again took centre stage through the semi-desi wardrobe of Anushka Sharma’s character Alizeh, her prominent Pakistani wedding ensemble, and the mesmerising yet sexy closet of Aishwarya Rai’s Saba. All designed by Manish Malhotra, the film turned out to be a massive influence on fashion lovers and set many bridal and makeup trends too.
5. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
In his upcoming, most awaited directorial film, Karan Johar promises a joyride through jhakaas fashion. On the occasion of his 51st birthday today, the filmmaker surprised us with the first few pictures from the Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh-starrer film. Through these posters, we get a glimpse into the sparkling and grand world of the characters, with Alia and Ranveer acing new, OTT fashion. Well, we can’t wait to watch this one!
Tell us your favourite Karan Johar fashion film!