| DIRECTORS NOTE : SIDDHARTH P. MALHOTRA
The year was 1998. The date was 16th October when a film released and changed my perspective to life. I knew then all I wanted to be was a director .The name of the film was “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and the maker needs no introduction, “Karan Johar”
The process of making this film happen has been tedious for two people who have gone out of their way to make this work for me whom I’ll always be indebted to; Apoorva Mehta who always believed in the possibility of “Stepmom” being a good adaptation for a Hindi film and did whatever was needed to make it a reality, and Karan Johar who believed in me and gave me a complete free hand to make the film the way I wanted and choose the technicians I felt were right for the film. You can’t ever get a better Creative Producer than him and I’m truly blessed that I am now working for the man whose cinema I have worshipped.
This film took about 1 ½ years to go on the floors as my writer Venita Coelho, Karan and I went on working on the adaptation till we felt we were ready. The film was completed in 64 days and that could not have been possible without the support of a strong backbone of technicians and the production team.
I was blessed with a stellar team of Mohanan who gave the film a look which was just right and with his gentle personality always ensured the ambience of the set to be fun filled, Shankar Ehsaan and Loy for giving me the music that captured the essence of the characters and situations and a theme that to me will be remembered for years. Shashank Tere as my production designer who got into the root of every character before designing any set or choosing any prop, my editor Deepa Bhatia who’s a fairy god mother for the objectivity she brings and is a boon for any director. Manish Malhotra and Shiraz for styling the actors so realistically that one felt these characters were one of us and Mickey sir and Niranjan Iyengar for always being there by my side to give me an objective opinion whilst shooting. My production team consisting of Parth, Pravin and Malika who ensured my entire unit and planning was executed smoothly so that each day seemed full of joy and we all wanted to come to set the next day. My associate director, Vicky who worked patiently and sensitively with the three kids, and my other assistants, Kabir, Mrunmayee, Yashaswini, Ankit and Nishant who worked tirelessly to get this film made. A mention to the assistants of art, costume, camera and production that brought a vibrant and effervescent energy that was infectious on set.
I’ve been a huge admirer of Kajol and when this script was being written I knew I could never have made this at all without her and I am really fortunate she agreed to do this film, as “Maya” would never exist had she said no. Kareena who I’ve known since years brought a huge amount of dignity to “Shreya`s” character. Arjun, who contributed to each scene of the film, and for bringing the correct amount of sensitiveness and affirmation when required to his character of “Aman”. Last, but definitely not the least, my 3 children, Aanchal, Diya and Nominath who gave me all they had in their performances and their raw energy that helped us tremendously.
I’ve tried to make an honest film with pure intentions and I really hope that communicates through and touches the hearts of all who watch it!
Love
Siddharth P. Malhotra.
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