Karan Johar had set the benchmark high for directors with his debut film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). While the audience was still under the influence of the campus drama, the filmmaker gave them yet another reason to appreciate his vision and storytelling prowess. Three years after Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan directed Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, an ensemble cast film revolving around family values and love. 

The high-on drama Bollywood film gave us some iconic characters like Poo, Anjali, Rahul, Rohan, Yashvardhan and Nandini, who instantly became a part of our lives and made a special place in our hearts. For most desi cinema fans, like us, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) continues to be an emotion even after 2 decades. Right from teaching the importance of self-love to showing what true commitment towards your beloved means, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, also known as K3G, inspired us to be the best version of ourselves. 

Today, on Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham's 20th anniversary, here are the 10 important takeaways from the film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.  

Family Love

While Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham focused on 'it's all about loving your parents', it also taught to value your family, above all. Karan's directorial showcased the importance of having a family through Nandini Raichand's (Jaya Bachchan) eyes. The film truly proved that when worse comes to worst, family comes first.

Commitment Towards Your Partner

Had Rahul not shown trust, commitment and faith in Anjali, their pure love story would have remained incomplete which we never wanted. Despite a status barrier, he never looked down upon her and loved her with all his heart. As a committed boyfriend and moreover a responsible man, Rahul broke all his ties with his father, whom he worshipped. The current generation breakup on minor issues. Be the Rahul to your Anjali. 

Never judge anyone on looks

Who thought Laddoo will become the hot Rohan and Chandni Chowk's Pooja will transform into the diva Poo in their adulthood? Though Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is about love and family values, Poo and Rohan's transformation was unbelievable. Be it looks or physical attributes, these two characters proved once again that one should not be judged on their outer appearance. 

P.H.A.T

K3G taught us all several things but what one could never forget was this term - PHAT. Slamming the patriarchal body-shaming norms, KJo gave the word FAT a new meaning by inculcating it so beautifully in his script as P.H.A.T - Pretty, Hot And Tempting and well, who would have thought that? Kareena Kapoor Khan's character Poo taught everyone to be their own self, unapologetically and to top it all - to be P.H.A.T ALL THE TIME. 

Sibling Love

Be it Anjali and Pooja's protective sisterly bond or Rahul and Rohan's emotional relationship, K3G taught us the importance of sibling love. The film presented two sibling duos who set sibling goals back when it wasn't even a trendy term. 

Mother’s unconditional love

The one who faced the brunt of Yashvardhan Raichand and Rahul's rift was Nandini Raichand. As a doting and protective mother, Nandini never differentiated between Rahul, the adopted son, and Rohan, the younger and biological child. The matriarch of the house suffered along with Rahul but all by herself; at least he had Anjali and Poo with him. Nandini's unconditional love for her sons resonated with every person and our hearts went out to her. 

Dreamy Love Story-Karan's USP

Well, we all would be lying if we say we have never dreamt of having a romantic relationship like Rahul and Anjali from K3G. The duo impressed with their electrifying chemistry, leaving us all dreaming of a love like them. Remember, Sooraj Hua Madham? Damn! Only KJo can showcase dreamy love stories like these.

Self-Love

Put your hands up if you learned self-love from Poo! This iconic character taught every girl out there to be self-obsessed for good. While good looks were focused the most on, it was Poo's unapologetic and savage personality that made a place in everyone's hearts kyuki 'tumhara koi haq nahi banta ki tum itni khubsoorat lago, not fair!'.  

Magic Of Festivals

Karan loves everything larger-than-life, vibrant and grand. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was a testament to it. From highlighting Eid celebrations in Chandni Chowk to making Karwa Chauth trendy in a foreign country, the film depicted the magic and importance of festivals for Indians.

Unity

"United we stand, divided we fall," was the case in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Be it Daijaan relocating to London with Rahul and Anjali for their convenience or Rohan-Poo standing in solidarity with their siblings, unity was something that the film depicted beautifully.