Claim: Karan Johar made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai -LRB- English : Something Happens -RRB- also known as KKHH , is an Indian Hindi coming-of-age romantic comedy drama film , released in India and the United Kingdom on 16 October 1998 . It was written and directed by Karan Johar , and starred the popular on-screen pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in their fourth film together . Rani Mukerji featured in a supporting role , while Salman Khan also had an extended-cameo appearance . Sana Saeed , who was featured in a supporting role , made her film debut in this movie .   Filmed in India , Mauritius , and Scotland , this was Karan Johar 's directorial debut . One of his goals for the film was to set a new level for style in Hindi cinema . The plot combines two love triangles set years apart . The first half covers friends on a college campus , while the second tells the story of a widower 's young daughter who tries to reunite her dad with his old friend .   The film was extremely successful in India and abroad , becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of the year and the third highest-grossing Indian film ever behind Hum Aapke Hain Koun . . ! and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge . Outside India , the film was the highest grossing Hindi film ever until its record was broken by Karan 's next directorial , Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham ... -LRB- 2001 -RRB- .   Kuch Kuch Hota Hai received a positive reception from critics , with special praise directed to Kajol 's performance . The soundtrack also became the biggest seller of the year . The film won many major awards including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and the `` Best Film '' honor at the Filmfare Awards , Zee Cine Awards , Screen Awards , and Bollywood Movie Awards . The film won 8 Filmfare Awards and is the only film in history to win all the four acting category awards at the ceremony -LRB- Best Actor , Best Actress , Best Supporting Actor & Best Supporting Actress -RRB- .