PM Modi's Jakarta nod to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai wins over Karan Johar
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in Jakarta, filmmaker Karan Johar thanked him for the mention. The exchange has renewed attention to the film's popularity in Indonesia and across generations.
Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Kuch Kuch Hota Hai during his address in Jakarta, filmmaker Karan Johar thanked him for the reference and said he was "elated & honoured". Johar said on Tuesday that Modi's mention had helped make the film's title song live forever.
During the address, Modi spoke about the popularity of Indian cinema in Indonesia and referred to the title track of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, featuring actors Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji. Using the film's title while speaking about ties between the two countries, he said that when India and Indonesia move forward together, much more than "kuch kuch (something something)" happens.
In his address, Modi said, "Yaha Bharat ka gaana Kuch Kuch Hota Hai bahut lokpriya hai. Aaj maine is par kaha ki jab Bharat aur Indonesia saath mil kar chalte hai to 'kuch kuch' se badh kar bahut kuch hota hai (The Indian song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is very popular here. Today, I remarked that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it becomes much more than just 'kuch kuch' (something)—it becomes bahut kuch (so much more)."
Johar later re-shared the video on the Stories section of his official Instagram account. He wrote, "Elated & honoured to have our esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodi ji speak about Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in Jakarta. There is indeed a language that transcends all its love. Thank you for embracing and making this song live forever!!! (sic)."
More about the film
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked Johar's directorial debut. The film was backed by his father, Yash Johar, and starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji in the lead. Salman Khan and Sana Saeed also played significant roles. The film premiered on October 16, 1998, and remains closely associated with Johar's debut as a director.
Johar also marked the film's 27th anniversary on October 16, 2025, with an Instagram post featuring behind-the-scenes photographs from the set.
Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Kuch Kuch Hota Hai during his address in Jakarta, filmmaker Karan Johar thanked him for the reference and said he was "elated & honoured". Johar said on Tuesday that Modi's mention had helped make the film's title song live forever.
During the address, Modi spoke about the popularity of Indian cinema in Indonesia and referred to the title track of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, featuring actors Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji. Using the film's title while speaking about ties between the two countries, he said that when India and Indonesia move forward together, much more than "kuch kuch (something something)" happens.
In his address, Modi said, "Yaha Bharat ka gaana Kuch Kuch Hota Hai bahut lokpriya hai. Aaj maine is par kaha ki jab Bharat aur Indonesia saath mil kar chalte hai to 'kuch kuch' se badh kar bahut kuch hota hai (The Indian song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is very popular here. Today, I remarked that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it becomes much more than just 'kuch kuch' (something)—it becomes bahut kuch (so much more)."
Johar later re-shared the video on the Stories section of his official Instagram account. He wrote, "Elated & honoured to have our esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodi ji speak about Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in Jakarta. There is indeed a language that transcends all its love. Thank you for embracing and making this song live forever!!! (sic)."
More about the film
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked Johar's directorial debut. The film was backed by his father, Yash Johar, and starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji in the lead. Salman Khan and Sana Saeed also played significant roles. The film premiered on October 16, 1998, and remains closely associated with Johar's debut as a director.
Johar also marked the film's 27th anniversary on October 16, 2025, with an Instagram post featuring behind-the-scenes photographs from the set.
