Karan Johar began his journey as a filmmaker with the iconic romantic drama Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, a film that went on to redefine Bollywood love stories. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles, with Rani Mukerji and Salman Khan in supporting parts, the movie became a cultural phenomenon. But behind its glossy sets and chart-topping songs lies a lesser-known story — one where a nervous debut director found himself crying inside Salman Khan’s vanity van.
Speaking recently on Manyavar’s YouTube channel, Karan Johar opened up about his first-ever collaboration with Salman Khan and how intimidating the experience initially felt. Working with a superstar of Salman’s stature left the young director extremely anxious. Karan recalled walking into Salman’s vanity van on the actor’s first day on set, only to find him casually dressed in a T-shirt and jeans.
Karan told Salman that the film’s set was grand and ornate, and that the scene required a groom-like look. But Salman had a different idea. With his signature confidence, he responded, “If for the first time a groom comes in jeans and a T-shirt, it will be a new style. I’ll bring the swag.” While Salman sounded excited, Karan’s panic only grew stronger. He worried about how the casual outfit would fit into the elaborate wedding sequence, especially with Kajol dressed in a heavily embroidered lehenga.
Overwhelmed by the pressure of directing his first film and handling such a big star, Karan admitted he broke down and started crying right there in Salman’s vanity van. The sight of the young director in tears made Salman nervous. Trying to calm the situation, Salman eventually agreed to change into the suit for the scene. That moment, Karan recalled, led to the filming of his first-ever sangeet song sequence — now one of the most memorable scenes in the film.
Karan has previously shared how difficult it was to convince Salman to take on the role of Aman Mehra. Before Salman came on board, actors Chandrachur Singh and Saif Ali Khan had both declined the part, leaving Karan disheartened. He once recalled attending a party at Chunky Panday’s house when Salman approached him and said he had heard Karan was “shopping” for an actor. Salman encouraged Karan to be confident about the role and asked him to narrate the script the next day.
That narration changed everything. Salman agreed to join the cast, and the rest is Bollywood history. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai went on to become one of the biggest hits of its time, launching Karan Johar’s illustrious directorial career.
From nervous tears to cinematic triumph, Karan and Salman’s first collaboration remains a story fans still love to hear.
