‘To all Anjalis….Rahul is out there somewhere”: Kajol sparks nostalgia as ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ turns 24

Two decades and four years on, 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001) continues to reign as one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved family dramas, long after its theatrical run ended.

Directed by Karan Johar in his second outing as filmmaker, the lavish ensemble film brought together Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan—a star cast that remains unmatched even today.

Marking the film’s 24th anniversary, Kajol took fans on a nostalgic trip by sharing two throwback pictures on Instagram. One showed her as the ever-iconic Anjali, striking a playful, confused expression, while the other featured the full cast during the unforgettable ‘Bole Chudiyan’ sequence. Her caption struck a chord instantly:

“To all the Anjali’s out there, keep being loud and proud! Rahul is out there somewhere, but he might be late because of traffic. #KabhiKhushiKabhieGham #24years”

Kajol’s portrayal of Anjali—fiery, emotional, and unapologetically herself—remains one of the film’s strongest emotional anchors. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan, who played Rahul, gave Bollywood one of its most enduring on-screen love stories, a pairing that audiences continue to celebrate decades later.

Fans flooded the comments section with heart emojis and nostalgic reactions, calling the film “timeless” and “pure comfort cinema.”

Many urged filmmakers to re-release 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' in theatres, while others expressed their desire to see Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol reunite on screen once again.

While the film received mixed reviews upon release, its emotional depth, grand scale, and themes of family, love, and reconciliation have helped it age gracefully.

Notably, the film reunited Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as Rahul and Anjali, names first popularised in Karan Johar’s debut film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998), further cementing their legacy as one of Bollywood’s most cherished cinematic couples.

Box office collection:

'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' was not just a star-studded family drama; it was a box office blockbuster. Made on an estimated budget of around ₹40 crore, the film went on to earn robust numbers both in India and overseas.

In India alone, it grossed roughly ₹77 crore (about ₹55–56 crore nett), while its overseas business added significant revenue, contributing to a worldwide gross of around ₹119–136 crore during its initial run — making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2001.

The film’s strong performance helped cement its commercial status and contributed to its enduring legacy among audiences globally.