One of Bollywood’s most beloved romances is heading back to the landscape that helped define its visual memory. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan Johar’s 1998 directorial debut starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, is set for a special 30th anniversary screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2028, with Johar expected to attend the celebration.
The announcement adds a full circle note to the film’s legacy. Long before overseas schedules became standard for mainstream Hindi cinema, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai used Scotland not just as a scenic backdrop but as a key part of its emotional world. Several of its most memorable visuals were shot across Scottish locations, and that connection is now being formally celebrated by Edinburgh’s festival team.
The 2028 Edinburgh Celebration
Johar received the invitation during a meeting at Dharma Productions’ Mumbai office with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Screen Scotland interim executive director David Smith. The discussion centered on Scotland as a creative partner for Indian film and television, including production, co-production, talent development and cultural exchange.
Swinney said, “It was a pleasure to meet Karan Johar in Mumbai, and I am delighted that he has accepted the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s invitation to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ which holds a special place in the hearts of communities across Scotland and beyond. I look forward to welcoming him to Edinburgh.”
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He also added, “Scotland’s screen industry has tremendous potential as a creative partner for Indian film and television, offering the infrastructure, expertise and world-class filming locations to support a wide range of productions.”
Festival CEO and director Paul Ridd framed the event as part of a larger long-term vision. “At EIFF we are always thinking about the future and what’s next. So we jumped at an opportunity like this, to plant the seeds for a celebration of a legendary, much-loved film at our festival, a film featuring Scotland and some of the most iconic stars of Bollywood cinema on screen. We can’t wait for what promises to be something truly special for our 81st edition in 2028. But in the meantime, watch this space for more news of our 80th next August,” he said.
Why Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Still Matters
Released on October 16, 1998, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked Johar’s debut as director and went on to become the highest-grossing Hindi film in India that year. Produced by Yash Johar under Dharma Productions, the romantic drama starred Shah Rukh Khan as Rahul, Kajol as Anjali and Rani Mukerji as Tina, with Salman Khan in a memorable extended appearance. The story followed a love triangle across two timelines, blending youthful friendship, heartbreak and reunion into a hugely influential pop culture phenomenon.
Its Scotland shoot, including locations such as Eilean Donan Castle and Glen Coe, became an important part of the film’s enduring image.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Recent And Upcoming Work
For Shah Rukh Khan, the festival tribute arrives at a time when his modern filmography has already entered another defining phase. His last three releases were Pathaan and Jawan in 2023, followed by Dunki later that same year, completing a remarkable comeback run on the big screen. His next confirmed theatrical release is King, currently scheduled for December 24, 2026, and positioned as his next major starring vehicle.
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