Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
A lavish Bollywood melodrama that blends grand family tradition with diasporic longing. Emotional reunions and clash of generations unfold amidst palatial sets, exploring whether duty should ever eclipse love.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

कभी ख़ुशी कभी ग़म

"It's all about loving your parents."

14 December 2001 India 209 min ⭐ 7.7 (588)
Director: Karan Johar
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Jaya Bachchan
Drama Comedy
Duty vs. Love Class Divide The Diasporic Experience Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Budget: $7,500,000
Box Office: $11,336,308

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Yashvardhan Raichand

Amitabh Bachchan

Archetype: The Authoritarian Patriarch
Key Trait: Stubbornness

Motivation

To uphold the Raichand family name and traditions at any cost.

Character Arc

Starts as an unyielding figure who values reputation above all. Through the loss of his son and the confrontation with his wife, he slowly realizes his pride has left him isolated, leading to a tearful apology.

Rahul Raichand

Shah Rukh Khan

Archetype: The Dutiful Son / Romantic Hero
Key Trait: Self-sacrifice

Motivation

To be worthy of his adopted family's love; later, to protect his wife and new family.

Character Arc

Begins as the perfect son who seeks validation. After being disowned, he builds a life in London but carries the hidden grief of rejection. He learns that true respect doesn't mean blind obedience.

Pooja 'Poo' Sharma

Kareena Kapoor

Archetype: The Modern Diva
Key Trait: Confidence

Motivation

To be the center of attention and 'PHAT' (Pretty Hot and Tempting).

Character Arc

Transforms from a bullied child into a confident, fashion-obsessed woman in London. She aids Rohan in his plan, proving that beneath her shallow exterior lies a caring heart committed to family.

Rohan Raichand

Hrithik Roshan

Archetype: The Mediator / Catalyst
Key Trait: Perseverance

Motivation

To fulfill his grandmother's wish of reuniting the family.

Character Arc

Evolves from a chubby, teased child ('Laddu') to a physically perfect man. He uses his transformation to infiltrate his brother's life and force the family to confront their pain.

Cast

Amitabh Bachchan as Yashvardhan “Yash” Raichand
Shah Rukh Khan as Rahul Raichand
Hrithik Roshan as Rohan Raichand
Kajol as Anjali Sharma Raichand
Jaya Bachchan as Nandini Chandran Raichand
Kareena Kapoor Khan as Pooja “Poo” Sharma Raichand
Rani Mukerji as Naina Kapoor
Farida Jalal as Sayeeda “Daijaan / DJ” Naaz
Jugal Hansraj as Mohit Sachdev
Alok Nath as Omendra "Om" Sharma
Kavesh Majmudar as Young Rohan
Parzaan Dastur as Osman Siddiqui
Simone Singh as Rukhsaar Naaz Siddiqui
Johny Lever as Haldiram Rawat
Jibraan Khan as Krishi Raichand