Even after two decades, Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G) continues to be the gift that keeps on giving for Bollywood fans. While the film is celebrated for its grand sets and emotional family drama, it is Kareena Kapoor Khan’s portrayal of “Poo” that remains etched in pop culture history. However, a recent revelation by the filmmaker suggests that Poo’s iconic “You Are My Soniya” performance almost looked very different.
In a candid throwback shared by Johar, it was revealed that Kareena flatly refused to perform a specific choreography sequence—affectionately dubbed the “kekda” (crab) style dance—during the filming of the hit track.
The song You Are My Soniya, featuring Kareena alongside Hrithik Roshan, is famous for its slick moves and the crackling chemistry between the leads. According to Johar, choreographer Farah Khan had originally planned a series of elaborate, low-to-the-ground leg movements for both actors.
While Hrithik, known for his effortless athleticism, was ready to dive into the “crab-like” footwork, Kareena wasn’t having it. “Farah had choreographed these elaborate steps,” Johar recalled. “Kareena looked at it and said, ‘This kekda style dancing I can’t do. Put the camera here [on my face]!'”
Kareena’s refusal forced a last-minute change in the song’s visual language. Instead of synchronized footwork, the director and choreographer opted to play to the actress’s strengths: her unmatched expressions and “diva” persona.
If you watch the final version of the song today, the difference is clear. While Hrithik is seen performing high-energy, complex leg movements, the camera frequently cuts to close-ups of Kareena. She delivers the song through sleek hand gestures and intense eye contact with the lens, effectively creating the “Poo” brand of effortless glamour.
Johar jokingly noted that Kareena often treated the camera as her “Soniya” rather than her co-star. “The camera is not your Soniya, Hrithik Roshan is in front of you!” he laughed, reminiscing about her confidence on set.
This behind-the-scenes nugget only adds to the legend of Kareena Kapoor’s most famous character. Fans have long admired Poo for her unapologetic self-love and “my way or the highway” attitude. Learning that the actress herself shared that same conviction—deciding what worked for her brand even as a young star—makes the character feel even more authentic.
Ultimately, the “kekda” move’s loss was the audience’s gain. By focusing on her expressions, the team solidified Poo as a fashion and style icon whose “face cards” never declined, proving that sometimes, saying “no” to the choreography is the best move an actor can make. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
