Edinburgh Film Festival to Screen 1998 Bollywood Hit in 2028
The festival confirmed the 30th anniversary screening of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which was partly filmed in Scotland, during a meeting with First Minister John Swinney.
By Sophie Zhang ·
Audiences in Scotland will get a second chance to see a major Bollywood hit on the big screen. The Edinburgh International Film Festival confirmed on Friday that the 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will screen at the 2028 edition to mark its 30th anniversary.
The screening is part of a wider push to strengthen ties between the Scottish and Indian film industries. Karan Johar, the director and screenwriter of the movie, hosted a meeting in Mumbai earlier this week. He met with John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, and David Smith, the interim executive director of Screen Scotland.
The discussion focused on co-production opportunities and using Scotland as a filming location for Indian television and film. The meeting led directly to the decision to bring the anniversary event to the festival. Johar is expected to attend the 2028 screening with other guests.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was Johar's directorial debut. The story follows a love triangle involving characters played by Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji. The production was the first major Indian film to shoot extensively in Scotland. Locations included Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Coe, Tantallon Castle, and Inchmahome Priory.
Swinney said he was pleased to meet Johar in Mumbai and looked forward to welcoming him to Edinburgh. He noted that Scotland offers the infrastructure and filming sites needed to support Indian productions. He said the country has potential as a creative partner for the Indian screen industry.
Paul Ridd, CEO and festival director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, said his team wanted to secure the opportunity. He described the film as a legendary title featuring iconic Bollywood stars. He said the festival is preparing for its 81st edition in 2028.
The upcoming 80th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival is scheduled to run from August 12 to 18, 2026.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
