Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 2001
Directed by
Karan Johar
Made by
Dharma Productions
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Yashvardhan [Amitabh Bachchan] Raichand is a wealthy Delhi-based businessman who leads a refined life with his wife Nandini [Jaya Bachchan] Raichand, their son Rahul [Shah Rukh Khan] Raichand, and their other relatives. Rahul discovers, at the age of eight, that he is adopted, a truth that shades his sense of belonging. Despite Nandini’s deep love for him, Rahul grows up carrying a heavy weight of duty to meet his parents’ high expectations, balancing affection with obligation in a family that expects perfection.
As an adult, Rahul falls for Anjali Sharma [Kajol], a bright and lively woman from Chandni Chowk. Yash disapproves of the match because of their different social backgrounds and instead hopes Rahul will marry Naina Kapoor [Rani Mukerji], a family friend who quietly harbors feelings for him. Understanding Rahul’s true love, Naina steps aside, choosing his happiness over her own desires. Rahul eventually marries Anjali after her father’s sudden death, but Yash’s disapproval crescendos into a shattering moment: he disowns Rahul, prompting Rahul to leave for London with Anjali and her younger sister Pooja [Kareena Kapoor Khan]. In the wake of this estrangement, Nandini, heartbroken, sends the family’s nanny Sayeeda [Farida Jalal] to accompany them, and Rohan is sent to boarding school, growing up apart from the world he once knew.
Ten years pass, and Rohan returns home with a renewed resolve to heal the rift in his family. He learns about Rahul’s estrangement through a conversation between the grandmothers and makes it his mission to reunite them all. He travels to London under the pretext of pursuing an MBA, using that journey as a route back to his roots. There, he reconnects with Pooja, now a university student, and together they formulate a plan to bring Rahul back to India. To keep his real identity hidden, Pooja introduces Rohan to Rahul as “Yash,” a friend’s cousin visiting from India who needs a place to stay, and Rahul, sensing a strange kinship, agrees to host him.
Rohan forms a warm bond with his nephew Krishi Raichand [Jibraan Khan] and develops a budding romance with Pooja. Despite several close calls and near-disclosures, Rahul remains blissfully unaware of his cousin’s true identity. Eventually, Rohan reveals the truth and urges Rahul to return home. Rahul hesitates, fearing he has been permanently rejected by Yash, but Pooja encourages Rohan to invite their parents to London to test the resilience of their bonds. Nandini and Yash travel to London; Nandini greets Rahul with an emotional warmth, while Rahul recoils from his father’s presence.
When Yash learns of the ruse, anger flares, and the family’s egos threaten to fracture what remains. Yet the family perseveres, and they eventually return to India after Yash’s mother’s death. Rahul attends the funeral, and, persuaded by Rohan and Pooja, agrees to return briefly for Nandini’s sake. In Delhi, preparations begin to formally welcome Anjali, and the bond between Rohan and Pooja deepens as their engagement is announced. During the ceremony, Yash publicly acknowledges the pain his rigid stance caused, expressing regret for disowning Rahul while admitting that, beneath his strict exterior, he always loved him. The reconciliation culminates in an emotional embrace that seals the family’s renewed unity.
The film closes on a joyous note as the Raichand family gathers to celebrate the weddings that symbolize their restored harmony. Rohan and Pooja’s union stands alongside the mended ties between Rahul, Anjali, Nandini, and Yash, marking a hopeful return to togetherness and shared happiness for a family that weathered severing and separation to find its way back to one another.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Rahul falls for Anjali in Chandni Chowk
Rahul, the Raichand heir, falls in love with Anjali Sharma in Chandni Chowk. Yash Raichand disapproves because of class differences, and Rahul struggles with balancing duty and passion. The initial romance sets the stage for a family conflict that drives the plot forward.
Yash pushes for a Naina match
Yash insists that Rahul marry Naina Kapoor, a family friend who quietly admires him. Rahul remains torn but respects his father's wishes to keep the family line intact. This tension highlights the rigid expectations shaping the Raichand household.
Rahul marries Anjali after tragedy
Rahul chooses Anjali over family expectations and marries her after a sudden tragedy in her family. In response, Yash disowns Rahul, severing ties and prompting Rahul to leave for London with Anjali. Nandini is heartbroken but supports her son's happiness.
Exodus to London with Sayeeda
Rahul and Anjali depart to London to start anew, accompanied by Nandini's nanny Sayeeda who stays with the couple. Rohan is sent to boarding school, beginning a new generation separate from Rahul's life. The family begins a long separation that frames the film's midpoint.
A decade passes; Rohan returns
Ten years pass and Rohan returns home, seeking to repair the broken family. He learns from his grandmothers about Rahul's estrangement and devises a plan to reunite them all. His mission sets the stage for a foiled, heartfelt family reconciliation.
Rohan seeks Rahul in London under false pretenses
Rohan travels to London under the pretext of pursuing an MBA and to locate Rahul. He reconnects with Pooja, who now studies there, and the two hatch a plan to bring Rahul back to India. The deception begins to blur lines as Rohan forms bonds with Rahul's family.
Rohan meets Rahul as 'Yash' and bonds with the family
Pooja introduces Rohan to Rahul as 'Yash', her friend's cousin visiting from India. Rahul, feeling a sense of kinship, allows him to stay as a tenant. Rohan also bonds with Rahul's nephew Krish and grows closer to Pooja, while Rahul remains unaware of the ruse.
Truth edged closer; plan to return home
Romantic and familial tensions rise as Rohan contemplates revealing his true identity. He eventually confesses to Rahul and urges him to return home to India. Rahul remains uncertain, fearing rejection from Yash.
Parents invited to London
Pooja convinces Rohan to invite their parents to London, hoping to reconcile the family in person. Nandini and Yash arrive, and Rahul avoids his father emotionally, clinging to the past yet warm under the surface.
Revelation and anger
Yash discovers Rohan's true identity and the plan to reunite the family; his anger is palpable as the trust between father and son is tested. The revelation forces the Raichands to confront their strained history. The emotional tension acts as a catalyst for the impending family reunion.
A family tragedy brings them home
Soon after, Yash's mother dies, prompting the family to reunite in India. The return marks the first major step toward reconciliation, as grief softens the hard edges of years of separation. Rahul attends the funeral, signaling his willingness to consider a temporary return.
Delhi wedding preparations and acceptance
Back in Delhi, the family prepares to formally welcome Anjali into their circle. Rahul's bond with Nandini strengthens as his father observes the changes in him. The stage is set for a larger reunion that includes the broader Raichand clan.
Engagement of Rohan and Pooja
Rohan and Pooja announce their engagement, signaling a new generation and the healing of old wounds. The looming ceremony brings the entire family together for a celebration that eases the rift between Yash and Rahul. Hope rises as the family reconciles.
A heartfelt reconciliation
During the wedding-themed celebrations, Yash publicly expresses regret for disowning Rahul and admits he always loved him. Rahul and Yash share an emotional reunion, symbolizing a restored family bond. The elder Raichands acknowledge that love can bridge generations of distance.
A new beginning with a wedding
The film ends with the wedding of Rohan and Pooja, sealing the Raichand family's unity once more. Anjali is welcomed back into the fold as a valued part of the family, and the entire clan looks toward a peaceful, connected future.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Characters
Explore all characters from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Rahul Raichand (Shah Rukh Khan)
Rahul is the elder Raichand son who grows up under his parents' high expectations. He falls in love with Anjali, defying a prepared, class-based match and ultimately marries her. After being disowned, he moves to London with Anjali and her sister Pooja, remaining devoted to his family and seeking a reunion.
Anjali Sharma Raichand (Kajol)
Anjali is a vibrant, passionate woman from Chandni Chowk who falls in love with Rahul. She endures the strain of his disownment but remains loyal and supportive, playing a pivotal role in reuniting the family and guiding their journey toward reconciliation.
Yashvardhan “Yash” Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan)
A wealthy, stern patriarch who places great emphasis on family honor and tradition. His rigid stance initially drives a wedge between Rahul and the family, but his later actions reveal a capacity for regret and reconciliation as he works to bring everyone back together.
Nandini Chandran Raichand (Jaya Bachchan)
Rahul’s mother, tender and emotionally vocal, torn between a father’s expectations and a son’s happiness. She longs for family unity and supports efforts to heal the rift, playing a key role in steering the family toward reunion.
Pooja Sharma Raichand (Kareena Kapoor Khan)
Anjali’s sister who becomes part of the Raichand circle. She aids in the plan to reunite the family and forms a bond with Rohan, helping to bridge gaps between generations and social worlds.
Rohan Raichand (Hrithik Roshan)
Rahul and Anjali’s son who returns after years abroad. He adopts a cautious, empathetic approach to reuniting his family, uses a ruse to observe the dynamics, and develops a romance with Pooja while helping to heal old wounds.
Krishi Raichand (Jibraan Khan)
Rahul and Anjali’s young son, Krishi is a symbol of the family’s future and the emotional motivation for the parents to reunite. His presence underscores the stakes of keeping the family together for the next generation.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Settings
Learn where and when Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Delhi, Chandni Chowk, London
The Raichand family home sits in Delhi, showcasing a life of wealth and tradition. Chandni Chowk is depicted as the lively neighborhood Anjali comes from, highlighting a contrast between different social worlds. A portion of the story shifts to London, where Rahul and Anjali seek a new start before the family reunion brings everyone back to India.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Themes
Discover the main themes in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🏡
Family
The core of the story is the tie that binds the Raichands, even when duty and expectations pull them apart. Disownment and heartbreak test loyalty, but family bonds persist beneath the surface. The film builds toward a reconciliation that restores the clan’s unity.
💞
Love & Duty
Rahul and Anjali’s romance challenges a rigid class-based plan for Rahul’s marriage. Love is shown as a powerful force that can override social boundaries, though it comes with sacrifice and risk. Naina’s quiet selflessness also highlights duty to family over personal desire.
🕊️
Redemption
The narrative culminates in forgiveness and healed relationships, as Yash acknowledges his past harshness and seeks to mend the rift. The film emphasizes second chances and the peaceful resolution that comes from choosing family over pride. The reunion at the end signals a restored harmony among the Raichands.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the bustling heart of Delhi, the Raichand family lives amid opulent homes, grand festivals, and a legacy of impeccable reputation. Their world is one where tradition glitters as brightly as the chandeliers in their mansions, and every gesture is measured against an inherited code of honor. The film moves with a lyrical blend of melodrama and warmth, inviting the audience to feel the weight of expectations while savoring moments of unguarded affection.
At the centre of this polished sphere stands Yashvardhan Raichand, a patriarch whose devotion to status and propriety shapes the family’s every decision. Beside him, Nandini offers a softer counter‑balance, her love for her children quietly challenging the rigid standards her husband upholds. Their elder son Rahul—raised as their own yet aware of his adoption—carries the pressure of living up to the family’s lofty ideals while navigating his own yearning for genuine belonging. When Rahul falls for Anjali, a spirited young woman from a modest background, his affection clashes with Yashvardhan’s steadfast belief in preserving social hierarchy.
The tension ignites a rift that reverberates through the household, prompting Rahul to step away from the world he has always known. In the wake of this separation, the family’s youngest member, Rohan, finds his purpose. Though still finding his own place within the family’s hierarchy, he feels a compelling pull toward reconciliation, guided by an earnest desire to restore the bonds that have frayed.
Through its richly textured setting and emotionally resonant performances, the story explores the delicate dance between duty and desire, pride and compassion. It paints a portrait of a family whose love is both a source of strength and a fragile thread, hinting at a journey where forgiveness and togetherness may yet be reclaimed, even as the characters grapple with the expectations that have long defined them.
Movies with Similar Twists and Themes
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.