New Delhi: A delegation from Indonesia serenaded guests at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by singing ‘Kya karoon haaye, kuch kuch hota hai…’, paying a heartfelt tribute to Bollywood’s enduring influence and the timeless appeal of the 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in their homeland.
Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai—or K2H2—first premiered in India in 1998. Three years later, it made its way to Indonesian theatres, where it struck a deep chord with audiences.
The Indonesian delegation’s impromptu performance of the iconic title song at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honour of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto captivated fellow guests at the 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Accompanied by a live band, the quintet’s rendition earned cheers and applause from those present at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Kajol shared the unforgettable moment on her X profile, writing, “Bollywood’s power to unite shines again! The Indonesian delegation singing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is such a heartwarming tribute. Truly honored! #KuchKuchHotaHai #IndiaIndonesia.”
Filmmaker Karan Johar, who made his directorial debut with the film, also posted the viral video on his Instagram Stories.
In Indonesia, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is considered a milestone in the country’s cultural shift, sparking a revival of Indian cinema among the upper class, as noted in The Magic of Bollywood: At Home and Abroad.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Jatin-Lalit and penned by Javed Akhtar and Sameer, became a massive hit in Indonesia, with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai outgrossing the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic, which was also released in 1998.
The film’s success helped introduce the “clean family films” genre to Indonesian cinema, gradually replacing the action-driven narratives that dominated the 1970s and 80s.
After its theatrical run, the film’s popularity grew even more, aided by repeated TV broadcasts and the widespread circulation of pirated VCDs, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
