Karan Johar’s landmark directorial debut, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," will mark its 30th anniversary with a special screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2028. The filmmaker will attend the milestone event in Scotland, following an official invitation extended during an international industry delegation to India.
Johar received the festival invitation at the Mumbai headquarters of his production company, Dharma Productions. The meeting brought together Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and David Smith, interim executive director of Screen Scotland, alongside the director to explore broader cultural and cinematic partnerships.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Scotland Filming Locations
| Location Name | Type of Landmark | Associated Film Project |
|---|---|---|
| Eilean Donan Castle | Historic Castle | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| Glen Coe | Scenic Valley | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| Tantallon Castle | Historic Castle | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| Inchmahome Priory | Historic Priory | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
Dharma Productions Hosts Scottish Leadership in Mumbai
The discussions at Dharma Productions focused on strengthening production and co-production ties between the Indian and Scottish entertainment sectors. In addition to planning the anniversary event, participants covered opportunities for talent development and creative exchange.
Swinney highlighted the collaborative goals of the trip, pointing to Scotland's facilities and natural settings as major assets for film and television. "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," Swinney stated regarding the bilateral initiative.
Swinney also expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming the Indian filmmaker abroad, adding: "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."
A Historic Filming Connection to Scotland
Released in 1998, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" holds a distinctive place in Bollywood's production history. No major Indian cinematic release before it had utilized Scottish settings so expansively. The production unit traveled across prominent historical and scenic destinations, capturing footage at Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Coe, Tantallon Castle, and Inchmahome Priory.
These locations established the visual identity of key musical and dramatic sequences in the film, ultimately establishing an enduring tie between Scotland's geography and popular Indian cinema.
The romantic drama features Shah Rukh Khan as the widower Rahul, whose young daughter attempts to reunite him with his college best friend, Anjali, portrayed by Kajol. Anjali had harbored secret feelings for Rahul prior to his marriage to Tina, played by Rani Mukerji. The ensemble storyline also features Salman Khan as Anjali’s fiancé.
Festival Planning and Organizational Milestones
The anniversary event in 2028 will feature additional guest appearances alongside Johar, though exact festival dates for that year's 81st edition have not yet been announced. Supported by Screen Scotland, the festival underwent a revival in 2024 overseen by CEO and festival director Paul Ridd alongside festival producer Emma Boa.
Ridd emphasized the importance of securing the milestone presentation early, noting the lasting cross-cultural impact of the 1998 release. "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," Ridd stated, confirming that audiences can expect a memorable event for the 81st edition.
Before reaching the 2028 celebration, the Edinburgh International Film Festival will host its 80th anniversary edition scheduled for Aug. 12–18, 2027. Submissions for that preceding edition are set to open in January, with organizers planning to release further program details in the intervening months.
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Source: Variety
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