As the celebrated Bollywood film ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ commemorates its 25th anniversary, its enduring influence on fashion remains indisputable. The characters of Rahul, Anjali, and Tina, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, respectively, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences. While the movie might not completely resonate with contemporary sensibilities, its fashion choices continue to resonate with current style sensibilities.
Renowned designer Manish Malhotra, credited with the film’s wardrobe, played a pivotal role in shaping its iconic fashion statements. The revival of 2000s trends in recent fashion trends has further highlighted the ongoing relevance of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s’ sartorial choices.
The film’s portrayal of non-conformist fashion choices has found resonance with the Gen-Z population, with elements like gender-neutral denim jackets, chunky shoes, stylish sunglasses, and wide headbands reflecting contemporary fashion trends.
The movie challenged conventional norms, normalizing the inclusion of miniskirts in formal attire, as illustrated by Rani Mukerji’s character, Tina. This departure from traditional dressing norms heralded a more modern and chic approach to formal fashion. In contrast, Kajol’s character, Anjali, popularized a tomboyish and athletic aesthetic, demonstrating a significant shift towards gender-inclusive clothing.
‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ also played a pivotal role in introducing branded clothing to the Indian market, with prominent logos and luxury brand monograms becoming symbols of status and sophistication. The film’s vibrant use of fluorescent colors in clothing left a lasting impression, leading to a resurgence of bold and lively hues in contemporary fashion.
Moreover, the characters’ hairstyles, particularly the straightened hair look sported by Tina and Anjali, continue to be popular choices, reflecting a timeless and versatile style statement.
Notable fashion moments from the film, including SRK’s ‘C.O.O.L’ metallic neckpiece and Kajol’s iconic cropped blunt haircut with elastic headbands, continue to resonate with nostalgic fashion enthusiasts. Anjali’s style transformation, transitioning from a tomboy look to an elegant saree, highlights the film’s ability to mirror character development through fashion choices.
Despite the evolving fashion landscape, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ stands as a timeless testament to the enduring power of iconic fashion moments, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema and contemporary style trends.
