Heartbreak Turned into Blockbuster: Karan Johar Wrote 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in Just 9 Days, Earned Over ₹100 Crore

Karan Johar is known for his grand romantic dramas, but not many know that one of his biggest emotional films, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', was written in just 9 days—all thanks to the heartbreak he was going through at the time.

One-Sided Love Became the Soul of the Story

In an old interview, Karan Johar confessed that the pain of unrequited love made it incredibly easy for him to pour his emotions onto paper. The result? A deeply personal story of love, friendship, and emotional vulnerability that struck a chord with millions.

A Star-Studded Cast and Emotional Impact

Released in 2016, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Fawad Khan, with a powerful cameo by Shah Rukh Khan. The chemistry, especially between Ranbir and Anushka, and the film’s raw take on heartbreak, made it a commercial and emotional success.

Songs That Became Anthems

From the title track Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to Channa Mereya, the music of the film became a sensation. The soundtrack perfectly captured the emotional weight of the story and added depth to the film’s impact.

Box Office Success

Despite a relatively modest budget of ₹70 crore, the film went on to collect over ₹113 crore at the box office. Karan revealed he got the story idea while walking alone through the streets of New York, and soon after, he penned the entire screenplay in less than 10 days.

A Cameo That Stole Hearts

Though Shah Rukh Khan appeared on screen only briefly, his interaction with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan left a lasting impression, proving once again his ability to elevate any scene.