Did you know Steven Spielberg recognised Kareena Kapoor from 3 Idiots? Karan Johar REVEALS

Filmmaking legend Steven Spielberg is a fan of 3 Idiots—so much so that he once recognised Kareena Kapoor Khan in public as the film’s female lead. Kareena recently revealed that the Hollywood icon approached her at a restaurant, praising the Rajkumar Hirani directorial, leaving her pleasantly surprised.
A Memorable Encounter
Recalling a memorable moment, Kareena Kapoor Khan shared that years ago, while dining at a restaurant abroad, legendary director Steven Spielberg approached her. He asked if she was “the girl from the famous Indian film about the three students.” When she confirmed, he praised 3 Idiots, saying he loved it. Kareena revealed the story during a session moderated by Karan Johar at the WAVES 2025 Summit, adding, “I didn’t have to act in an English film for him to see it. That’s a moment for us.”

Spielberg’s Longstanding Appreciation for 3 Idiots
Interestingly, this wasn’t Steven Spielberg’s first show of appreciation for 3 Idiots. During his 2013 visit to Mumbai, he revealed in a chat with Hindustan Times that he had watched the film three times and was deeply moved by its emotional core. When asked to name five films he personally connected with, Spielberg listed 3 Idiots alongside his own classics—E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, and the iconic The Godfather.

The Legacy of 3 Idiots
Starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Boman Irani, 3 Idiots became the highest-grossing Indian film until 2013. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the coming-of-age comedy-drama was loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone, offering a fresh take on the Indian education system.