Filmmaker Karan Johar took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as his romantic drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil completed nine years since its release. The filmmaker shared an emotional post on social media, calling it “the most personal film” he has ever made.
Johar, who directed the 2016 film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, expressed gratitude to the team and fans for continuing to keep the film alive in their hearts. “One year short of a decade and it honestly feels like yesterday when I was on set of perhaps the most personal film I have ever made,” he wrote on Instagram.
Karan Johar reminisces about making the film
In his heartfelt post, Johar recalled the joy of working with an exceptional cast and crew. “I was thrilled to be doing what I do, with people who were just exceptional as artists — from the cast to the crew. My dil will never forget this,” he said.
The filmmaker added, “Thank you for letting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil grow, for breathing life and love into it till now.” His words were accompanied by throwback photos from the sets, sparking an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues alike.
A film that explored unrequited love
Released in October 2016, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil told a modern tale of love, heartbreak, and friendship. Featuring memorable performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the film’s music by Pritam and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya struck a chord with audiences.
Songs like Channa Mereya, Bulleya, and the title track became instant classics, with Arijit Singh’s vocals becoming synonymous with the film’s emotional depth. Despite mixed critical reviews, the movie earned commercial success and went on to achieve cult status for its portrayal of unreciprocated love.
Fans and industry celebrate the milestone
Fans flooded Johar’s post with heartfelt messages, calling the film “timeless” and “emotionally resonant.” Several Bollywood personalities also commented on the post, celebrating the film’s legacy and its contribution to redefining contemporary romance in Hindi cinema.
Film trade analysts noted that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil remains one of Johar’s most introspective works — a film that blended visual opulence with vulnerability.
Legacy of ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’
Nearly a decade later, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil continues to resonate with audiences across generations. The film is often cited as one of Karan Johar’s boldest explorations of love’s complexities and remains a defining moment in his directorial career.
With his emotional note, Johar reminded fans why the story continues to linger long after its release — a testament to cinema that dares to be both grand and intimate.