Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Rajkumar Hirani and other directors who delivered blockbusters with their directorial debuts

Karan Johar made a spectacular debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, a love story that became a cultural phenomenon. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, the film redefined Bollywood romance and became one of the biggest hits of its time.

Farhan Akhtar changed the game with Dil Chahta Hai, a fresh take on friendship and love among three urban men. The film was praised for its modern storytelling and went on to become a cult classic among youth.

Rajkumar Hirani’s debut film starring Sanjay Dutt was a heartwarming comedy with a strong emotional core. The film was both a commercial and critical success and marked the beginning of the beloved Munna Bhai series.

Farah Khan transitioned from choreographer to director with this stylish, fun-packed entertainer starring Shah Rukh Khan. Main Hoon Na blended action, romance, and comedy, becoming a box-office hit and fan favourite.

Abhinav Kashyap struck gold with Dabangg, which introduced the iconic Chulbul Pandey played by Salman Khan. The film became a massive blockbuster and spawned one of Bollywood’s most successful franchises.

With Khosla Ka Ghosla, Dibakar Banerjee delivered a sharp and witty satire on real estate scams in Delhi. The film became a surprise hit and established him as a storyteller with a unique voice.

Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut made cinematic history. DDLJ, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, became one of the most iconic love stories in Bollywood and the longest-running film in Indian theatre history.