It is time to dust off your orange headbands and revisit the iconic college romance that defined the 90s. Karan Johar has officially accepted an invitation to attend a special 30th-anniversary screening of his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) in 2028. The news comes following a high-level meeting at Dharma Productions’ Mumbai office, where the filmmaker met with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Screen Scotland’s David Smith to discuss future creative collaborations between Scotland and the Indian film industry.
For fans of the Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji starrer, this celebration feels like a homecoming. Much of the film’s visual magic was crafted across the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, with iconic sequences shot at Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Coe, and Tantallon Castle. By showcasing these locations, the 1998 blockbuster effectively bridged the gap between Scottish beauty and mainstream Bollywood, setting a trend that many filmmakers followed in the years since. First Minister John Swinney noted that the film remains incredibly popular across Scottish communities, making it a perfect centerpiece for the festival’s 81st edition.
While the exact dates for the 2028 festival are yet to be finalized, EIFF CEO Paul Ridd is already building anticipation for the milestone event. The festival, which recently saw a successful revival in 2024, is currently gearing up for its 80th anniversary celebrations slated for August 2027. Aside from the nostalgic trip down memory lane with Rahul, Anjali, and Tina, the collaboration between Johar and Scottish officials signals a push for more co-productions, talent exchanges, and international filming partnerships. With more guests expected to join the star-studded anniversary screening, the event is shaping up to be a major highlight for Bollywood enthusiasts worldwide.