Bollywood director Karan Johar recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his directorial debut, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' a film that still holds a special place in the hearts of many. Starring the iconic trio of Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Kajol, the movie continues to be adored by fans. However, what's noteworthy is Karan Johar's candid admission about the film's flawed gender politics and a famous dialogue that now seems politically incorrect.

In a recent conversation with Nikhil Taneja on "Be A Man Yaar," Karan Johar openly acknowledged that the gender politics portrayed in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' are fundamentally flawed. He pointed out that the character played by Shah Rukh Khan initially favored the character portrayed by Rani Mukerji, who is deemed the "hot girl," over Kajol's character, who was implicitly labeled as not "hot." This portrayal, according to Karan, sends a problematic message about love and attraction, highlighting a significant issue that the film industry has grappled with for years.

Karan's reflection on the film's gender politics reveals the evolution of his perspective over the years. When he made 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' he was deeply influenced by traditional Hindi cinema and was yet to fully grasp the complexities of gender politics in the real world. He admitted that, at that time, he misunderstood stalking as a form of romance. However, his understanding changed when he realized the real-life implications and the inherent dangers associated with such behavior.

Another interesting aspect of Karan's revelation is his playful critique of a famous dialogue delivered by Shah Rukh Khan in the movie: "Hum ek baar jeete hai, ek baar marte hai, shaadi bhi ek baar hoti hai... aur pyar ek baar hi hota hai" (We live once, die once, and marry once...and fall in love once). This line, delivered with conviction by the character Rahul, is paradoxical given that Rahul ends up getting married twice and falling in love twice in the story. Karan Johar, however, underlines the importance of conviction in storytelling and how it can guide a narrative to a satisfying conclusion.

Karan's candid confession about 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' is a reflection of how filmmakers and creators evolve over time, not just in terms of their storytelling but also in their understanding of complex societal issues. While the film remains a beloved classic, his willingness to openly discuss its flaws and the problematic gender dynamics it portrays is a testament to his growth as a filmmaker and as an individual.

In an industry where change can be slow, Karan Johar's acknowledgment of the film's shortcomings serves as a reminder that self-awareness and a commitment to evolving with the times are essential for those who shape our cultural narratives. As we celebrate 25 years of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' it's a moment to appreciate how far we've come in understanding and addressing the nuances of gender politics in cinema. Karan's journey from then to now is a testament to the power of introspection and the potential for positive change in an ever-evolving industry.