Karan Johar Reveals Salman Khan Said Yes to 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' Without Hearing the Full Story or Taking a Fee

Salman Khan's One-Meeting Yes That Shaped a Bollywood Classic

Filmmaker Karan Johar has revealed that Salman Khan came on board for the 1998 blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai under remarkably casual circumstances — agreeing to the part before hearing the full script and without taking a fee for what was a special appearance.

Johar shared the story on the premiere episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9, where the two appeared together and looked back at the making of the film and their families' long association.

Several Actors Turned the Role Down First

According to Johar, the supporting role had already been declined by several actors before Salman Khan entered the picture. Recalling their first conversation, Johar quoted the actor's breezy response: “You’ve been shopping, come narrate the film to me tomorrow.”

Johar then went to Salman Khan's apartment to narrate Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Dressed in bright yellow shorts, the actor agreed to do the film before Johar had even finished telling the story — and said yes even after being told he would not be paid for the special appearance.

A Family Connection Stretching Back Decades

The two also spoke about how close their families have been over the years. Johar recalled that his father had personally travelled to Mauritius to help secure government permissions for Salman Khan's shoot on the film Hello Brother.

The Slow-Motion Clash That Forced a Reshoot

Johar also remembered a major problem that struck during the climax of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The camera operator accidentally filmed the entire sequence in slow motion, forcing the team to shoot it all over again.

Salman Khan postponed his next shoot by a day so that he could stay back and complete the sequence — an accommodation that helped rescue the film's ending.

The Film That Became a Bollywood Landmark

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai also stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji and Sana Saeed. The film follows college friends Rahul, Anjali and Tina and their complicated love story, and years later, Rahul’s young daughter tries to bring him and Anjali back together.

The film went on to win several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and is still remembered for its music, fashion and lasting impact on Hindi cinema.

New episodes of Koffee With Karan Season 9 will stream on JioHotstar.