Manish Malhotra Celebrates 25 Years of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham's Fashion Legacy
Renowned Bollywood fashion designer Manish Malhotra recently took to social media to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the iconic film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, reflecting on its enduring impact on Indian pop culture and fashion trends.
Kareena Kapoor Khan's Costumes as Pop Culture Icons
In a heartfelt post, Malhotra emphasized that the costumes created for Kareena Kapoor Khan in the 2001 blockbuster have transcended time, remaining relevant in popular culture even after a quarter-century. He specifically highlighted how Kareena's portrayal of the character Poo, with her bold and fashion-forward outfits, became an iconic representation of glamour and confidence.
The designer wrote, "Bole Chudiyan Song that started the custom of Indian wedding sangeet and families dressing up and dancing together in Karan Johar's iconic 2001 release Bollywood blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to all the costumes of Kareena Kapoor Khan being a part of pop culture even today 25 years later."
The Bole Chudiyan Influence on Wedding Traditions
Malhotra credited the film's celebratory song Bole Chudiyan with pioneering the modern Indian wedding sangeet ceremony, where families collectively dress up and dance together. This cultural shift has since become a staple in matrimonial celebrations across the country.
He further shared images of Kajol's daughter, Nysa Devgn, adorned in a contemporary version of the Bole Chudiyan outfit, designed by his atelier for the 2025/26 season. Malhotra expressed how this evolution symbolizes the timeless nature of his creations.
He stated, "Nysa Devgn gorgeous and vibrant in the new version 2025/26 of what we at our atelier call the Bole Chudiyan outfit stands for how the vision I saw 35 years ago when I started my career in 1990 of costume designing and introducing styling to many of the styles introduced in cinema becoming mainstream Indian fashion trends transcending into generations."
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: A Cinematic and Fashion Landmark
Directed by Karan Johar, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The family drama, centered on love and reconciliation within a wealthy traditional Indian household, is remembered not only for its emotional narrative but also for its grand sets, opulent visuals, and stunning costumes.
Kareena's character Poo, in particular, became a fashion icon, with her quirky and avant-garde outfits considered ahead of their time, perfectly encapsulating her unapologetically glamorous personality.
Manish Malhotra's Career Evolution and Foray into Film Production
With 35 years in the industry, Manish Malhotra has established himself as a pivotal figure in Bollywood fashion. In 2025, he expanded his creative endeavors by venturing into film production under his banner, Stage5 Production.
His debut production, Gustaakh Ishq, starring Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah, released in November 2025. While the film received a lukewarm response at the box office, it garnered positive reviews from critics, marking a new chapter in Malhotra's illustrious career.
Malhotra's reflections underscore how his designs from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham have left an indelible mark on Indian fashion, influencing generations and continuing to inspire contemporary trends.
