Iconic Dialogues from Karan Johar's Dharma Movies that Echo in Bollywood

Dharma Productions, helmed by Karan Johar, has given us iconic lines for all occasions —whether it is Kavya Pratap Singh’s (Alia Bhatt) proclamation of self-love in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) for when you are getting dressed for work, thinking, “mai paida hi hot hui thi” (I was born this hot), or for when you’re planning to spend a lot of money on those limited edition shoes, and evoke Aman (Shah Rukh Khan) from Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), and decide, kya pata, kal ho naa ho (carpe diem). These lines find a way into our common parlance, even if, ironically, not many people use the word parlance. You probably also rate someone’s outfit, with Poo from K3G (2001) pervading your conscience, and declare your verdict with an exasperated “MINUSSSSS” (have you learned to say it any other way?).  We will probably pick up some slang from Rocky Randhawa in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, which is releasing this friday. 

So, before Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani seeps into our vocabulary for the next few weeks, we’re looking at some memorable lines from Johar’s Dharma films that have stayed with us over the years.

1. “Kuch kuch hota hai Rahul, tum nahi samjhoge”

This line from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) is timeless. Loosely, it translates to, “something bustles within, you won’t get it”. It's sufficiently vague to apply to a multitude of situationships and delusionships. In Johar's directorial debut, centred around a love triangle, he made an attempt to capture the essence of unrequited love and the complexities of relationships – the biggest takeaway however, was this line.

2. “Kabhi kabhi dosti mohabbat ki jagah le leti hai ... aur phir mohabbat ke liye jagah hi nahi rehti.”

The line translates to: sometimes friendship takes the place reserved for love, and then there’s no place left for love. From Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006), this line perfectly encapsulates Maya’s (Rani Mukherjee) hesitation and turmoil right before she is about to make her way to the mandap to get married to her future husband, who she only feels familial affection for. A mature and controversial take on marriage, infidelity, love, and loss, this film received polarised reactions. This line however, struck a chord with audiences across the board and made its place amongst the most iconic dialogues in Hindi cinema.

3. “Ek tarfa pyar ki taqat hi kuch aur hoti hai, auron ke rishton ki tarah yeh do logon mein nahi bat-ti, sirf mera haq hai ispe”

Positioning one-sided love as the most powerful kind, this line by Tahir Taliyar Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) brought tears to the eyes of hopeless romantics across the country. It doubles down to state that unlike love that is reciprocated, this kind of love doesn’t need to be divided. You become the sole owner of your love. When Khan offers wisdom, you take a seat and listen. 

4. “Keh diya na, bas keh diya”

Ever since Yashvardhan Raichand, played by Amitabh Bachchan, dropped this bomb, it made its way into every Indian parent’s arsenal. This mic drop of a line in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), by one of the most famous and “sadoo” patriarchs of Hindi cinema, is solely responsible for ending countless arguments with parents about late night parties, sleepovers with friends, road trips, new Playstations – the list goes on. We can’t even translate this one.

5. “Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon bas rukna nahi chahta.”

Representing our generation’s restlessness and sheer defiance of norm, Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) gave us a mantra to navigate our lives. Run, fly, fall, but don’t stop. We took this dialogue and set out to follow our dreams, and pursue our passions. The fear of failure didn’t stop Bunny, and it won’t stop us either (it won’t, right?).  

6. “Samundar humesha special raha hai na Bombay ke liye? I guess I can see why. Is sheher mein jahan har waqt sab kuchh badalta rehta hai, bas ek samundar hi jo nahi badalta. Humesha yahin rehta hai.”

Just like Aisha Banerjee (Konkona Sen Sharma) and Siddharth Mehra (Ranbir Kapoor), we can’t stop romanticising Marine Drive. It’s the one thing Mumbaikars hold closest to their hearts (right next to their vada pavs and Mannat). In this ever changing city, it’s the one thing that doesn’t change. You can always count on the sea to bring you peace, breeze, perspective and humility. This dialogue recently found it’s due on Instagram reels, and we’re happy it did. 

7. "Agar main tumhare saath do minute aur rahi toh mujhe tumse pyaar ho jayega… phir se!”

Ah, the way this line shatters your heart. That moment when you’re on the precipice of being hopelessly in love, Naina’s (Deepika Padukone) wrenching declaration to Bunny, rings prophetically in your ears. If you spend just a couple more minutes with this person, you’ll fall back in love with them. It’s daunting – falling for someone who might not love you back usually is.