The Edinburgh International Film Festival will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai at its 2028 edition, bringing the Indian film back to cinemas with director Karan Johar and other guests in attendance. The festival confirmed the planned screening on Friday, October 30, as a tribute to the film’s lasting place in Indian cinema.
Released in 1998, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked Johar’s debut as a director. Its story centers on a love triangle involving Rahul Khanna, played by Shah Rukh Khan, Anjali Sharma, played by Kajol, and Tina Malhotra, played by Rani Mukerji. The anniversary event will also recognize the film’s links to Scotland, where part of the production was shot.
The invitation to celebrate the anniversary in Edinburgh came during a meeting earlier that week at the Mumbai offices of Johar’s production company, Dharma Productions. Johar hosted Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and David Smith, interim executive director of Screen Scotland, for discussions about connections between the two screen industries.
According to the festival, those talks explored Scotland’s potential both as a filming destination and as a partner for Indian film and television projects. Production, co-production, talent development and cultural exchange were among the subjects discussed. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was the first major Indian production to film extensively around Scotland, using locations including Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Coe, Tantallon Castle and Inchmahome Priory.
Swinney said he looked forward to welcoming Johar to Edinburgh. He described meetings with Indian film industry figures, including Dharma Productions representatives, during his visit to India as opportunities to consider future collaboration. Scotland’s infrastructure, filmmaking expertise and locations, he said, gave its screen sector substantial potential to support Indian film and television productions.
Festival CEO and director Paul Ridd said the team had welcomed the chance to begin planning a celebration of a much-loved film that features Scottish locations alongside some of Bollywood’s most recognizable stars. He described the event as a promising occasion for the festival’s 81st edition in 2028, reflecting the team’s interest in looking ahead to future programming.
Before that anniversary celebration, the festival will hold its 80th edition next August. Ridd indicated that further announcements about that edition would follow. The next Edinburgh International Film Festival is scheduled for August 12 to 18.
