27 Years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: A Changing Perspective on Love
It has been 27 years since the iconic phrase 'pyaar dosti hai' from Karan Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, became the ultimate definition of love for an entire generation. Released in the 1990s, the film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Salman Khan was celebrated as an epic romantic tale. However, nearly three decades later, the audience's perspective has undergone a dramatic shift, with a significant number of fans now expressing a clear preference for Salman Khan's character, Aman, over Shah Rukh Khan's Rahul.
The Great Debate: Aman vs Rahul
The internet is now a battleground for this cinematic debate. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), are flooded with posts and reels where netizens passionately argue their case. One user highlighted the irony of relationships, posting a picture of Kajol as Anjali with the caption, "When life gives you a second chance, then don't be Anjali, but deep down every girl is Anjali for that one Rahul." This was countered by another user who declared, "I will always choose my Rahul over millions of Aman."
However, the prevailing sentiment seems to favor Aman. A popular reel compiling scenes from the movie made a compelling argument: "Pov: being mature means realizing that Rahul never truly loved Anjali. If Tina were still alive, Rahul wouldn't even care to see Anjali ever again. And naïve Anjali still chose Rahul over Aman." The caption for this post was a simple yet powerful statement: "I would choose Aman over Rahul."
The comment section on such posts echoes this view unanimously. Users left comments like:
- "Aman over Rahul,"
- "Rahul only cared about looks,"
- "Anjali should choose Aman over Rahul, but naah, she loves red flag,"
- "I’m never forgiving Anjali for choosing Rahul over Aman."
Other viral messages cement this new-age interpretation, with netizens stating, "Aman over Rahul every single time," and "Maturity is realising that Aman was better than Rahul." Another post on X simply read, "My simple self would always choose Aman over Rahul any day."
Kajol's Take on Anjali's Controversial Choice
This modern reinterpretation stands in stark contrast to the film's original narrative. Once, during an interaction with Film Companion, Kajol herself defended her character Anjali's decision to choose Rahul in the end. With a touch of humor, the actress explained, "She was young, what can I say? She read too many Mills & Boons, young girls these days, hormonal! She didn't know what was good for her." This comment from the star herself adds another layer to the ongoing discussion, suggesting that even the creators acknowledge the complexity of Anjali's choice through a contemporary lens.
As Kuch Kuch Hota Hai celebrates 27 years, the evolution in its reception highlights how societal views on romance, relationships, and character priorities have transformed. The debate over Aman and Rahul proves that the film's legacy continues to be relevant, sparking conversations about love and maturity that resonate with audiences even today.
