Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his glamorous films like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, and ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’. KJo is the son of the late producer Yash Johar. He recently opened up about how he handled Dharma Productions after his father’s demise and a decision that he has now come to regret.
Karan Johar initially considered shutting production house
After his father, Yash Johar passed away, Karan Johar initially thought about closing Dharma Productions and focusing only on filmmaking. In a chat with Komal Nahta on his YouTube show ‘Game Changers’, he revealed, “I had no confidence in managing the business. My father’s empire seemed overwhelming.”
Photograph of father triggered Karan Johar’s reflection
Everything changed when Karan looked at a photograph of his late father. “I suddenly felt like, ‘Main kaisa beta hoon?’ I realised my mistake and decided to continue what he had built,” he shared. That moment gave him the courage to take on the responsibility of running Dharma Productions.
Yash Johar’s letter became important guiding document
One key factor in reviving the production house was an 11-page letter from his father. The document detailed Yash Johar’s properties, investments, and other important information. “It became a bible for me,” Karan said.The letter also listed people who owed his father money, with a clear instruction, “Only if these people call you on their own will you take the money. You will never call them yourself to ask for it.”“Such was his goodwill that, barring one person, everyone eventually called and returned the money they owed,” Karan recalled. This guidance helped him maintain his father’s legacy with honesty and fairness.
Goa man offered land which Karan Johar refused
Karan also shared a story about a man from Goa, “It was about a year after my father’s passing when a man from Goa reached out to me and said, ‘I own a lot of land in Goa because of your father.’ Apparently, when my dad went to Goa for the shoot of Agneepath, he had set up a shoot on this man’s land and, out of courtesy, paid him Rs 1 lakh. That payment helped the man expand his business. To express his gratitude, he offered to gift me a large piece of land in a prime locality. But since it wasn’t mentioned in my father’s letter, I refused to accept it.” Karan jokingly said, “I regret that decision now, I literally slap myself for it.”
Karan Johar explained family habits around gifts
Karan also gave a glimpse into his family’s habits at home, particularly about gifts. “In the industry, the exchange of gifts is quite common. I have been taught to always reciprocate equally when receiving gifts,” he said.He explained how he checks the authenticity of silver gifts. “Whenever I get something, I seriously assess whether it’s made of silver. My mom taught me how to check, because many people send plated silver. When that happens, I ask my staff to store it away. But if it’s pure silver, we use it at home.”Johar added, “For anyone who sends something genuine, I calculate its value and make sure to send a return gift of equal or higher worth. I am very particular about this, Dad used to call it ‘duniyadari.’ I know it sounds very domestic, but honestly, you have to check the purity, many pieces are just plated!”
Karan Johar’s recent win
Karan Johar recently added another feather to his cap. His 2023 family drama, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’, won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 71st National Film Awards.
