Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Films by Karan Johar that defined our love for Hindi cinema

Sonal Khandelwal
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jul 5, 2025, 11:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Ae Dil feels

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) explored the complexities of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability. Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma’s layered bond, set against stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack, created a soulful story about love, longing and friendship beyond conventional boundaries.

2/5

Family and flair

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) was a celebration of emotions, tradition and opulence. Karan Johar blended melodrama with grandeur, casting Bollywood’s biggest stars to create a timeless saga of love, belonging, and intergenerational values that became a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

3/5

Love, loss, legacy


Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) struck emotional chords with its poignant storyline, led by Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan. The film tackled mortality, friendship and silent love with warmth and humour, making it a beloved classic of the 2000s.

4/5

Friendship redefined

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) marked Johar’s directorial debut and changed the way youth romances were seen. It reintroduced the idea that love often grows from friendship, with iconic fashion, music, and memorable lines that still resonate with audiences today.

5/5

Humanity in hardship

My Name Is Khan (2010) tackled Islamophobia, autism, and identity post-9/11. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of Rizwan touched millions, while Kajol added emotional depth. Karan Johar combined social relevance with strong storytelling, breaking new ground for Bollywood on global issues.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Michael Jackson estate co-executor John McClain dies at 71
  • Sunita says she learnt cooking at 15 to win Govinda’s heart
  • Quote of the day by Tom Selleck
  • Sushmita's manager left after she adopted daughter Renee at 24
  • 'Salman Khan ko ban karke dikhaye': Rakhi defends Ranveer Singh
  • Bhooth Bangla OTT release: Akshay's film to stream from THIS date
  • Honey REVEALED he pleaded to God for DEATH in 2019 but found FAITH
  • Actors' exits from films that sparked controversy
  • Ranveer offered Rs 10 cr upfront and Rs 25 cr discount to Excel
Photostories
  • Exclusive - Khatron Ke Khiladi 15: From talking about her show preparations to reuniting with Gaurav Khanna; Farrhana Bhatt gets candid
  • One monochrome saree, unlimited main-character energy, and this time Madhuri Dixit means pure business
  • America by rail: 5 iconic train journeys in the U.S. every traveller must experience once in a lifetime
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrifices
  • How to delete stress from your life
  • 7 painful truths about love and relationships people often don't talk about
  • Bhindi to Lauki: Why we remove the crown of these 7 everyday vegetables
  • Pregnancy nutrition: Superfoods every mother-to-be should add to her plate
  • 8 places in the world that look AI-generated but exist in real life and and how to visit them
Explore more Stories
  • 8
    Varun Dhawan's ‘Chunnari Chunnari’, Kiara Advani's ‘Cheez Badi’ to Jacqueline's ‘Ek Do Teen’ : Bollywood song remakes that failed to impress audiences
  • 6
    Ranveer Singh, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp: Actors' exits from films and web series that sparked controversy
  • 9
    Allu Arjun, Mohanlal, Rishab Shetty and more: South Indian actors who earned National Awards for iconic performances
  • 9
    From Ranveer Singh's 'Don 3' to Salman Khan’s exit from ‘Inshallah’: Bollywood’s biggest on-set fallout stories
  • 6
    Best moments from AMA 2026: From the Black Eyed Peas’ reunion to BTS’ return after 4 years
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Hindi
  • /
  • Bollywood
  • /
  • Films by Karan Johar that defined our love for Hindi cinema
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 27, 2026, 11.43PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service