Karan Johar: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}

| name               = Karan Johar

| image             = Karan Johar walks the ramp for Shane and Falguni Peacock.jpg

| caption           = Johar in 2018

| birthname         = Rahul Kumar Johar<ref name="NDTVname">{{cite news |last1=Basu |first1=Nilanjana |title=Koffee With Karan 6:, Vicky Kaushal Discover Karan Johar Was Originally Named As... |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/koffee-with-karan-6-ayushmann-khurrana-vicky-kaushal-discover-karan-johar-was-originally-named-as-1963483 |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=[[NDTV]] |publisher=NDTV Convergence Limited |date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=16 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216214144/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/koffee-with-karan-6-ayushmann-khurrana-vicky-kaushal-discover-karan-johar-was-originally-named-as-1963483 |url-status=live }}</ref>

| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1972

|05|25|df=yes}}

| birth_place       = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India

| alma_mater         = [[H.R. College of Commerce and Economics|HR College]]

| occupation         = {{hlist|Film director|producer|screenwriter|costume designer|television personality|actor}}

| years_active       = 1989–present

| father             = [[Yash Johar]]

| children           = 2

| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Karan Johar|Full list]]

| honours           = [[Padma Shri]] (2020)<ref>{{cite web| url=https://padmaawards.gov.in/AwardeeTickets2020.aspx| title=Padma Awards 2020| publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs (Govt. of India)| access-date=27 April 2020| archive-date=13 May 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513080056/https://padmaawards.gov.in/AwardeeTickets2020.aspx| url-status=dead}}</ref>

| signature         = Karan Johar Signature.png

'''Karan Johar''' (born '''Rahul Kumar Johar'''; 25 May 1972),<ref name="NDTVname" /> often informally referred to as '''KJo''' in the Hindi Film Industry,<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/more/news/view/id/1449536 | title=KJo meets Kareena on sets of Heroine | website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] | access-date=8 June 2012 | archive-date=11 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611024124/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/more/news/view/id/1449536 | url-status=live }}</ref> is an Indian filmmaker and television personality, who primarily works in [[Hindi cinema]]. He has launched the careers of several successful actors under his own [[Dharma Productions]]. The recipient of [[#Accolades|several accolades]], including a [[National Film Award]] and six [[Filmfare Awards]], he has been honored with [[Padma Shri]], the country's fourth highest civilian award by the [[Government of India]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/padma-shri-for-ekta-kapoor-karan-johar-kangana-ranaut-and-adnan-sami-1640169-2020-01-25|title=Padma Shri for Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar, Kangana Ranaut and Adnan Sami|newspaper=India Today|language=en|access-date=26 January 2020|agency=Ist|archive-date=25 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125223024/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/padma-shri-for-ekta-kapoor-karan-johar-kangana-ranaut-and-adnan-sami-1640169-2020-01-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

Son of producer [[Yash Johar]], he made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' (1998), which earned him the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]], the [[Filmfare Award for Best Director]] and [Best Screenplay]]. His next films, the ensemble family drama ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001) and the ensemble musical romantic drama ''[[Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna]]'' (2006), were both major critical and commercial successes in both domestic and overseas markets. His social drama ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' (2010) earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Director. Johar produced the spy thriller ''[[Raazi]]'' (2018) and the biopic ''[[Shershaah]]'' (2021), both of which won him the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film]]. These, along with other films he has [[List of Dharma Productions films|produced]] under the [[Dharma Productions]] banner, have established him as one of the leading director-producers in [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]].

Johar has also ventured into other avenues of the entertainment industry. He hosts a television talk show, ''[[Koffee with Karan]]'', Season 7 of this show is currently airing on Hotstar,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-09 |title=Karan Johar on Koffee With Karan: ''Never thought I would get this far, hosting seven seasons'-Entertainment News , Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/karan-johar-on-koffee-with-karan-never-thought-i-would-get-this-far-hosting-seven-seasons-11031561.html |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref> a dating show ''What the Love!'' and a radio show ''Calling Karan'', and appeared as a judge on competition reality shows ''[[Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa]]'', ''[[India's Got Talent]]'', ''[[India's Next Superstars]]''.

Johar was born on 25 May 1972 in [[Mumbai]], India to film producer [[Yash Johar]], founder of [[Dharma Productions]] and Hiroo Johar. He has [[Punjabi Hindus|Punjabi Hindu]] ancestry from his father's side, and [[Sindhi Hindus|Sindhi Hindu]] ancestry from his mother's side.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/leading-actresses-are-paranoid-as-parents-karan-johar/story-jJEEZJ8rvodM67le1MHAnO.html|title=Leading actresses are paranoid as parents: Karan Johar|work=Hindustan Times|date=30 June 2017|access-date=7 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705192144/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/leading-actresses-are-paranoid-as-parents-karan-johar/story-jJEEZJ8rvodM67le1MHAnO.html|archive-date=5 July 2017|quote=I was half Punjabi and Sindhi, so food was a big part of our daily life.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://penguin.co.in/book/non-fiction/an-unsuitable-boy-2/|title=An Unsuitable Boy: Overview|work=Penguin India|access-date=7 May 2020|quote=Baring all for the first time in his autobiography, An Unsuitable Boy, KJo reminisces about his childhood, the influence of his Sindhi mother and Punjabi father, obsession with Bollywood, foray into films, friendships with Aditya Chopra, SRK and Kajol, his love life, the AIB Roast, and much more.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728184250/https://penguin.co.in/book/non-fiction/an-unsuitable-boy-2/|archive-date=28 July 2019}}</ref> He studied at the [[Greenlawns High School]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Majumdar |first1=Anushree |title=P.O.W. director Nikkhil Advani: I will take a position but I don't want to become a jingoist |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/tv-show-p-o-w-director-nikkhil-advani-i-will-take-a-position-but-i-dont-want-to-become-a-jingoist-3084430/ |access-date=19 September 2018 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=16 October 2016 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919214319/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/tv-show-p-o-w-director-nikkhil-advani-i-will-take-a-position-but-i-dont-want-to-become-a-jingoist-3084430/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After Greenlawns, he attended [[H.R. College of Commerce and Economics]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/news/2009/karan-nostalgia-college-220909.html |title=Karan Johar goes back to college |publisher=Hrcollege.edu |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=27 December 2016 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227195819/http://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/news/2009/karan-nostalgia-college-220909.html |url-status=live }}</ref> both in Mumbai. His maternal uncles were filmmakers [[Yash Chopra|Yash]] and [[B. R. Chopra]]. His maternal first cousins are [[Uday Chopra|Uday]] and [[Aditya Chopra]].

Johar started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, when he played the role of Shrikant in the 1989 [[Doordarshan]] serial ''[[Indradhanush]]''. As a child, he was influenced by commercial Indian cinema: He cites [[Raj Kapoor]], [[Yash Chopra]] and [[Sooraj R. Barjatya]] as his inspirations.<ref name="Rediffinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/dec/09kuch.htm|title='All the women I meet keep telling me how much they cried in the film! That's what made it a hit, I guess.'|date=9 December 1998|author=Nandy, Pritish|work=Rediff.Com|access-date=6 March 2008|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025102301/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/dec/09kuch.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/oct/15joh.htm|title='I'm a little scared'|date=15 October 1998|author=V S Srinivasan|work=Rediff.Com|access-date=6 March 2008|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025113044/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/oct/15joh.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> For a time, Johar followed [[numerology]], creating film titles in which the first word and a number of others in the title began with the letter K. After watching the 2006 film, ''[[Lage Raho Munna Bhai]]'' which was critical of numerology, Johar decided to stop this practice.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/karan-to-drop-letter-k/articleshow/2115546.cms|title=Karan to drop letter K|work=The Times of India|first1=Rubina A|last1=Khan|date=7 October 2006|access-date=30 June 2013|archive-date=25 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025083823/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/karan-to-drop-letter-k/articleshow/2115546.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Discussing his sexual orientation, Johar said "Everybody knows what my sexual orientation is. I don't need to scream it out. If I need to spell it out, I won't only because I live in a country where I could possibly be jailed for saying this".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/karan-johar-gay-shah-rukh-khan-biography-an-unsuitable-boy-953828-2017-01-08|title=Karan Johar on being gay: Everybody knows what my sexual orientation is|date=8 January 2017|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617051817/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/karan-johar-gay-shah-rukh-khan-biography-an-unsuitable-boy-953828-2017-01-08|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2017, Johar became father to twins (a boy and a girl) through surrogacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zoomtv.com/bollywood-news/omg/article/karan-johar-becomes-father-to-twin-babies-roohi-and-yash-born-through-surrogacy-in-february/25656|title=Karan Johar becomes father to TWINS through surrogacy!|date=9 December 1998|author=Monica Varma|publisher=Zoom (TV channel)|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=21 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421134326/http://www.zoomtv.com/bollywood-news/omg/article/karan-johar-becomes-father-to-twin-babies-roohi-and-yash-born-through-surrogacy-in-february/25656|url-status=dead}}</ref> The twins were born at Masrani Hospital in Mumbai. Johar named his son Yash after his father, and his daughter Roohi named by rearranging his mother's name Hiroo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/alia-bhatt-to-priyanka-chopra-celebrities-congratulate-karan-johar-on-becoming-a-father-1356482.html|title=Alia Bhatt to Priyanka Chopra: Celebrities Congratulate Karan Johar on Becoming a Father|work=News18|date=6 March 2017 |access-date=6 March 2017|archive-date=6 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134018/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/alia-bhatt-to-priyanka-chopra-celebrities-congratulate-karan-johar-on-becoming-a-father-1356482.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/bollywood-showers-blessings-on-karan-johar-s-twins/story-WRiNdMK3DWHqC6Xnodn44M.html|title=Bollywood showers blessings on Karan Johar's twins|date=5 March 2017 |publisher=Hindustan Times|access-date=6 March 2017}}</ref>

Johar entered the film industry as an assistant director on cousin [[Aditya Chopra]]'s ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'' (1995), which is regarded as a landmark in Hindi cinema.<ref>{{cite web |title=Karan Johar's excited and we have 'mentor' Aditya Chopra to thank |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karan-johar-s-excited-and-we-have-mentor-aditya-chopra-to-thank/story-NacKz1eixYnTgKRPaz8urJ.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=13 May 2020 |language=en |date=27 September 2015 |archive-date=11 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711101244/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karan-johar-s-excited-and-we-have-mentor-aditya-chopra-to-thank/story-NacKz1eixYnTgKRPaz8urJ.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He then made his own directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' (1998). The first half of the film centers on a college love triangle between an insensitive boy ([[Shah Rukh Khan]]), his tomboyish best friend ([[Kajol]]), and the prettiest girl at the college ([[Rani Mukerji]]), while the second half centers on the now-widowed boy's attempt to reconnect with his best friend who is now engaged to marry a businessman ([[Salman Khan]]). The film became a major blockbuster at the box office and received positive reviews from critics. Writing for ''Planet Bollywood'', critic Anish Khanna commented that "Johar makes an impressive directorial debut, has a good script sense, and knows how to make a film with S-T-Y-L-E."<ref>{{cite web|last=Khanna |first=Anish |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/kkhh.html |website=Planet Bollywood |title=Film Review: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |date=16 October 1998 |access-date=25 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813080020/http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/kkhh.html |archive-date=13 August 2012 }}</ref> It won the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]. It swept most of the major awards at the [[44th Filmfare Awards]], including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]], and all four acting awards.

Johar's next directorial venture was the ensemble family drama ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001). The film starred [[Amitabh Bachchan]] as an egotistical rich industrialist, [[Jaya Bachchan]] as his compassionate wife, and Shah Rukh Khan and [[Hrithik Roshan]] as their two sons. It also featured [[Kajol]] and [[Kareena Kapoor]] as sisters from a lower-class family who become the love interests of Khan and Roshan respectively. The film became Johar's second major blockbuster at the box office and received positive reviews from critics. Critic Taran Adarsh commented that Johar "confirms the fact that he is the brightest in film firmament. The premise [of the film] is simple, but it is the storytelling that deserves the highest marks."<ref>{{cite web|last=Adarsh|first=Taran|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201895|website=Bollywood Hungama|title=Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham|date=11 December 2001|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-date=21 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421165706/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201895/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Johar's fourth directorial venture was the social drama ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' (2010), his first film not written by him. The plot follows a Muslim man with [[Asperger's syndrome]] and his Hindu wife, played by [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Kajol]], who live in [[San Francisco]] and face racial prejudice after [[September 11 attacks|11 September attacks]]. The film became Johar's fourth consecutive major blockbuster  in both domestic and overseas markets, and received rave reviews from critics who praised Johar's unconventional directorial style. Critic Subhash K. Jha wrote that the film "is a flawless work, as perfect in content, tone, and treatment as any film can get."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jha|first=Subhash K|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Hug-your-neighbour-watch-My-Name-Is-Khan/articleshow/5569497.cms?referral=PM|website=Times of India|title=Hug your neighbor, watch My Name Is Khan!|date=13 February 2010|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-date=27 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227171739/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Hug-your-neighbour-watch-My-Name-Is-Khan/articleshow/5569497.cms?referral=PM|url-status=live}}</ref> The film won Johar his second Filmfare Award for Best Director.

For his next feature film ''[[Student of the Year]]'' (2012), Johar chose not to cast established actors for his lead roles and instead recruited three debutante actors ([[Sidharth Malhotra]], [[Alia Bhatt]] and [[Varun Dhawan]]). The plot revolved around the quest of a group of students who are all gunning for the title of "Student of the Year" at their college. The film was a moderate commercial success and received mixed reviews from critics. Some called it "supremely entertaining and enjoyable,"<ref>{{cite web|last=Nahta|first=Komal|url=http://komalsreviews.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/student-of-the-year-review/|website=Komal Nahta's Blog|title=STUDENT OF THE YEAR Review|date=19 October 2012|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031426/http://komalsreviews.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/student-of-the-year-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> while others called it "a film which suffers from the lack-of-a-story syndrome."<ref>{{cite web|last=Bhattacharya|first=Ananya|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/student-of-the-year-review-watch-out-for-the-newcomers-infectious-charm_121315.html|website=Zee News|title='Student of the Year' review: Watch out for the newcomers' infectious charm!|date=1 December 2012|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516225904/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/student-of-the-year-review-watch-out-for-the-newcomers-infectious-charm_121315.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Johar then teamed up with [[Zoya Akhtar]], [[Anurag Kashyap]], and [[Dibakar Banerjee]] for [[Bombay Talkies (film)|''Bombay Talkies'']] (2013), an anthology film released to celebrate the centenary year of Hindi cinema. Each of the directors made one short film to contribute to the large anthology. The plot of Johar's film followed a magazine editor (Rani Mukerji) who discovers that her husband ([[Randeep Hooda]]) is gay after an interaction with an intern at her office ([[Saqib Saleem]]). The film did not perform well at the [[box office]], but earned positive reviews from critics.

Johar's next directorial venture was the musical romantic drama ''[[Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (film)|Ae Dil Hai Mushkil]]'' (2016). The film featured [[Ranbir Kapoor]] as a man dealing with an unrequited love for his best friend, played by [[Anushka Sharma]]. It also featured [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan]] as an older woman who engages in a brief relationship with Kapoor's character, and [[Fawad Khan]] as the love interest of Sharma's character. The film emerged as a major blockbuster at the box office and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who called it "Johar's most grown-up film yet."<ref>{{cite web|last=Bhave|first=Nihit|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/ae-dil-hai-mushkil/movie-review/55112044.cms|website=Times of India|title=Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Movie Review|date=28 October 2016|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-date=6 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806004136/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Ae-Dil-Hai-Mushkil/movie-review/55112044.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Johar teamed up again with Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, and Dibakar Banerjee for ''[[Lust Stories]]'' (2018), an anthology film released on [[Netflix]] that served as a follow-up to ''Bombay'' ''Talkies''. The film was praised for its exploration of female sexuality, a subject rarely dealt with in Indian films. Johar's segment revolved around a newly married schoolteacher ([[Kiara Advani]]) whose husband ([[Vicky Kaushal]]) fails to recognize her lack of sexual satisfaction.

In August 2018, Johar took to Twitter to announce his next film ''Takht'', a [[historical drama|period drama]] based in the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal era]], which will feature an ensemble star cast including [[Ranveer Singh]], Kareena Kapoor, Bhatt, [[Vicky Kaushal]], [[Bhumi Pednekar]], [[Janhvi Kapoor]] and [[Anil Kapoor]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karan-johar-reveals-first-details-about-takht-compares-it-to-k3g/story-hl9io0j7TL0T7GntobrP7K.html|title=Takht is about 2 warring brothers, expect K3G of Mughal era: Karan Johar on Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor film|date=10 August 2018|access-date=30 November 2018|language=en|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130113058/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karan-johar-reveals-first-details-about-takht-compares-it-to-k3g/story-hl9io0j7TL0T7GntobrP7K.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With a screenplay by Sumit Roy, dialogues by Hussain Haidry & music composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], this will be the second film directed by Johar that he has not written himself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/takht-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-ranveer-singh-janhvi-kapoor-5298675|title=Takht: Karan Johar ropes in Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Janhvi Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and others for his next directorial|date=9 August 2018|website=The Indian Express|access-date=12 August 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811052030/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/takht-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-ranveer-singh-janhvi-kapoor-5298675/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[Firstpost]], Johar stated that ''Takht'' would begin filming in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/karan-johar-deciding-against-directing-054436987.html|title=Karan Johar on deciding against directing Kalank, Student of the Year 2, and why it's too late to be in a relationship|access-date=2 December 2018|language=en-IN|archive-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155116/https://in.news.yahoo.com/karan-johar-deciding-against-directing-054436987.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2021, it was announced that Johar would direct a love story called ''[[Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani]]''. The film is expected to release in 2023 and will star [[Dharmendra]], Jaya Bachchan, [[Shabana Azmi]], Singh and Bhatt in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Exclusive {{!}} Dharmendra to Romance Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi in Karan Johar's Next Directorial|date=5 July 2021 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/exclusive-dharmendra-to-romance-jaya-bachchan-and-shabana-azmi-in-karan-johars-next-directorial-3928877.html}}</ref>

{{Main|Dharma Productions}}

Johar's directorial work (with the exception of [[anthology film]]s [[Bombay Talkies (film)|Bombay ''Talkies'']], ''[[Lust Stories]]'' and [[Ghost Stories (2020 film)|''Ghost Stories'']]) has been produced under the [[Dharma Productions]] banner, founded by his father Yash Johar and taken over by him after his father's death in 2004. In addition to his own directorial work, he has produced several films by other directors under the Dharma banner. Many of these films have become major critical and commercial successes including ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003), ''[[Dostana (2008 film)|Dostana]]'' (2008), ''[[Wake Up Sid]]'' (2009), ''[[I Hate Luv Storys]]'' (2010), ''[[Agneepath (2012 film)|Agneepath]]'' (2012), ''[[Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani]]'' (2013), ''[[2 States (2014 film)|2 States]]'' (2014), ''[[Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania]]'' (2014), ''[[Kapoor & Sons]]'' (2016), ''[[Dear Zindagi]]'' (2016), ''[[Badrinath Ki Dulhania]]'' (2017), ''[[Raazi]]'' (2018), ''[[Simmba]]'' (2018), [[Kesari (2019 film)|''Kesari'']] (2019), ''[[Good Newwz]]'' (2019), ''[[Sooryavanshi]]'' (2021), ''[[Jugjugg Jeeyo]]'' (2022) and ''[[Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva]]'' (2022).

== Other work ==

He made his full-fledged acting debut alongside [[Ranbir Kapoor]] and [[Anushka Sharma]] in [[Anurag Kashyap]]’s period drama [[Bombay Velvet|Bombay ''Velvet'']] (2015), in which he played the main antagonist. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, Johar earned some appreciation for his performance. Critic Sarita A. Tanwar commented, "The only consolation in the film is Karan Johar who brings a lot of dignity to the character of Khambatta... which is commendable since this is totally outside his comfort space."<ref>{{cite web|last=Tanwar|first=Sarita A|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-bombay-velvet-review-erratic-screenplay-outlandish-costumes-and-garrish-make-up-botches-up-grand-set-up-2086117|website=DNA India|title='Bombay Velvet' review: Despite earnest performances, the film somehow gets derailed|date=16 May 2015|access-date=26 May 2015|archive-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526180830/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-bombay-velvet-review-erratic-screenplay-outlandish-costumes-and-garrish-make-up-botches-up-grand-set-up-2086117|url-status=live}}</ref>

Johar is the host of ''[[Koffee with Karan]]'', a talk show where he interviews actors, directors, producers, and other prominent members of the Hindi film industry. The series has run intermittently since 2004, with seven seasons {{as of|2022|07|lc=y}}.<ref name="MD1">{{cite news |last1=Basu |first1=Mohar |title=Koffee With Karan Season 6: New Elements To Watch Out For This Year |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/koffee-with-karan-season-6-new-elements-to-watch-out-for-this-year/19350181 |access-date=7 September 2018 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |publisher=Mid-day Infomedia |date=24 April 2018}}</ref> Since 2012, he has served as a judge on the reality shows ''[[Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa]]'' (with [[Madhuri Dixit]] and [[Remo D'Souza|Remo D’Souza]]), ''[[India's Got Talent]]'' (with [[Malaika Arora Khan]], [[Kirron Kher]], and [[Farah Khan]]) and ''[[India's Next Superstars]]'' (with [[Rohit Shetty]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Karan Johar, Rohit Shetty to judge a new talent show|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-karan-johar-rohit-shetty-to-judge-a-new-talent-show-2557527|access-date=3 November 2017|agency=Chaya Unnikrishnan|publisher=DNA|archive-date=4 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104162156/http://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-karan-johar-rohit-shetty-to-judge-a-new-talent-show-2557527|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2022, he appeared as a judge on the [[Colors TV]]'s show ''[[Hunarbaaz: Desh Ki Shaan]]'' along with [[Mithun Chakraborty]] and [[Parineeti Chopra]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Karan Johar shares first glimpse of talent show 'Hunarbaaz' featuring co-judges Parineeti Chopra, Mithun Chakraborty and hosts Bharti-Haarsh – Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/karan-johar-shares-first-glimpse-of-talent-show-hunarbaaz-featuring-co-judges-parineeti-chopra-mithun-chakraborty-and-hosts-bharti-haarsh/articleshow/88449619.cms|access-date=5 February 2022|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

Johar is also an investor in an AI led adtech influencer marketing platform Kofluence. The company had raised a pre-series funding of $4 Million as of 8th February 2022. <ref>

{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/karan-johar-zerodhas-nikhil-kamath-invest-in-influencer-marketing-platform-kofluence-8064221.html

|title=Karan Johar, Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath invest in influencer marketing platform Kofluence|date=8 February 2022}}</ref>

== Filmography ==

=== Film ===

|8 [[Filmfare Awards]] <br />[[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]

|''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]''

| 5 [[Filmfare Awards]]

| 8 [[Filmfare Awards]]<br />2 [[National Film Awards]]

|1 [[Filmfare award|Filmfare Award]]

|3 [[Filmfare awards|Filmfare Awards]]

| 3 [[Filmfare awards|Filmfare Awards]]<br>(English film)

|1 [[Filmfare award|Filmfare Award]]

| Remake of ''[[Agneepath (1990 film)|Agneepath]]'' (1990)

| 1 [[Filmfare award|Filmfare Award]]

| |''[[Shaandaar (2015 film)|Shaandaar]]''

|{{yes}}

|{{yes}}

|{{yes}}

|{{yes}}

|{{yes}}

|''[[Kesari (2019 film)|Kesari]]''<ref>{{cite web|title=Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar's Battle of Saragarhi film to be titled Kesari|date=10 October 2017 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/karan-johar-and-akshay-kumars-battle-of-saragarhi-film-to-be-titled-kesari-4883851/|access-date=12 October 2017|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012044028/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/karan-johar-and-akshay-kumars-battle-of-saragarhi-film-to-be-titled-kesari-4883851/|url-status=live}}</ref>

|{{yes}}

|{{yes}}

|{{yes}}

|

| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|2022

|''[[Gehraiyaan (film)|Gehraiyaan]]''

|{{yes}}

|''[[Jugjugg Jeeyo]]''

|{{yes}}

|[[Liger (film)|''Liger'']]

|{{yes}}

|''[[Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva]]''

|{{yes}}

|<ref>{{cite web|title=Brahmastra: Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt's new trilogy|date=11 October 2017 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/brahmastra-amitabh-bachchan-ranbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-s-new-trilogy/story-XTPkHehyncnRxJxeDtp9GJ.html|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205230530/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/brahmastra-amitabh-bachchan-ranbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-s-new-trilogy/story-XTPkHehyncnRxJxeDtp9GJ.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

|{{yes}}

|''[[Selfiee]]''

|{{yes}}

|{{Pending film|[[Singham 3|Singham Again]]}}

|{{Pending film|Bedhadak}}

=== Acting roles ===

|2005 || ''[[Home Delivery|Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak]]'' || rowspan="2" | Himself (cameo) ||

|''[[Fashion (2008 film)|Fashion]]'' || rowspan="2" |  Himself (cameo) ||

|2009 || ''[[Luck by Chance]]'' ||

|rowspan=3|2015 || ''[[Shamitabh]]'' || Himself (cameo) ||

| ''[[Shaandaar (2015 film)|Shaandaar]]'' ||  Himself (cameo)<ref>{{cite news|last=Thakker|first=Namrata|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-karan-johar-s-acting-again-2034567|title=Karan Johar's acting again!|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=13 November 2014|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113042925/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-karan-johar-s-acting-again-2034567|url-status=live}}</ref> ||

=== Television ===

! Year !! Show !! Role

|1989 || ''[[Indradhanush]]'' || Srikanth

| 2004–present || ''[[Koffee with Karan]]'' || Host

| 2008 || ''Say Shava Shava''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/simi-karan-say-shava-shava/story-8RRvkjmp9FtmzQtc6fzviN.html|title=Simi, Karan say Shava Shava|date=2 January 2008|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> || rowspan="5" | Judge

| 2012–present || ''[[Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa]]''

| 2012–2018 || ''[[India's Got Talent]]''

|2020 || ''[[What the Love! with Karan Johar]]'' || Host<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/reel/924735/karan-johar-to-host-dating-show-what-the-love-on-netflix|title=Karan Johar to host dating show 'What the Love?' on Netflix|author=Scroll Staff|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=4 March 2020|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605075637/https://scroll.in/reel/924735/karan-johar-to-host-dating-show-what-the-love-on-netflix|url-status=live}}</ref>

|Host<ref>{{Cite web|title=Not Sidharth Shukla, Karan Johar to Host Salman Khan's Bigg Boss on OTT|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/not-sidharth-shukla-karan-johar-to-host-salman-khan-bigg-boss-on-ott-4000478.html|access-date=24 July 2021|website=News18|date=24 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

| [[52nd International Film Festival of India|International Film Festival of India opening ceremony]] || Host<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/iffi-52-salman-khan-ranveer-singh-puneeth-rajkumar-7630401/|title=IFFI: Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh to attend opening ceremony, Puneeth Rajkumar and Dilip Kumar to be honoured|date=19 November 2021|access-date=19 November 2021|website= The Indian Express}}</ref>

== Awards and honours ==

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Karan Johar}}

== Criticism ==

The [[death of Sushant Singh Rajput]] sparked a debate on [[nepotism]] in the Hindi film industry.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/after-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-why-karan-johar-and-alia-bhatt-are-trending-2246354 |title= After Sushant Singh Rajput's Death, Why Karan Johar And Alia Bhatt Are Trending |date= 15 June 2020 |website= NDTV |publisher= NDTV |access-date= 10 July 2020 |archive-date= 9 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200709082229/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/after-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-why-karan-johar-and-alia-bhatt-are-trending-2246354 |url-status= live }}</ref> Johar was one of the personalities who were targeted by the late actor's fans for allegedly encouraging [[nepotism]] by casting children of established Bollywood stars in his films instead of outsider talents.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/030720/karan-not-out-of-sooryavanshi.html |title= Karan not out of Sooryavanshi |date= 3 July 2020 |website= Deccan Chronicle |publisher= Deccan Chronicle |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 8 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200708005046/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/030720/karan-not-out-of-sooryavanshi.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/what-is-nepometer-here-s-how-it-might-change-bollywood-forever-857005.html |title= What is Nepometer? Here's how it might change Bollywood forever |date= 4 July 2020 |website= Deccan Herald |publisher= Deccan Herald |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 6 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200706203610/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/what-is-nepometer-here-s-how-it-might-change-bollywood-forever-857005.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite web |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karan-johar-takes-a-dig-at-kangana-ranaut-says-he-doesn-t-love-nepotism-but-somebody-else-does/story-X0ooLLYkiTtsxllxlPwlpL.html |title= Karan Johar takes a dig at Kangana Ranaut, says he doesn't love nepotism but 'somebody else does' |date= 3 April 2019 |website= Hindustan Times |publisher= Hindustan Times |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200707210809/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karan-johar-takes-a-dig-at-kangana-ranaut-says-he-doesn-t-love-nepotism-but-somebody-else-does/story-X0ooLLYkiTtsxllxlPwlpL.html |url-status= live }}</ref> Johar was first accused of this by [[Kangana Ranaut]] on ''Koffee With Karan''.<ref name="Hindustan Times" /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/nepotism-debate-over-kangana-ranaut-joins-karan-johar-s-tv-show/story-hBe7x0eI7Lf6S9mjSzl6yN.html |title= Nepotism debate over? Kangana Ranaut joins Karan Johar's TV show |date= 10 January 2018 |website= Hindustan Times |publisher= Hindustan Times |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200707192604/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/nepotism-debate-over-kangana-ranaut-joins-karan-johar-s-tv-show/story-hBe7x0eI7Lf6S9mjSzl6yN.html |url-status= live }}</ref> however, various members of the industry came to his defence.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/watch-when-karan-johar-admitted-existence-of-nepotism-in-bollywood/story-T5XdgxgwBnustMYy10RODO.html |title= Watch: When Karan Johar admitted existence of nepotism in Bollywood |date= 27 March 2017 |website= Hindustan Times |publisher= Hindustan Times |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200707192712/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/watch-when-karan-johar-admitted-existence-of-nepotism-in-bollywood/story-T5XdgxgwBnustMYy10RODO.html |url-status= live }}</ref>  A complaint was filed against Johar "for abetting" Rajput's suicide.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.news18.com/news/movies/amid-nepotism-backlash-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-kareena-limit-comments-on-social-media-accounts-2682867.html |title= Amid Nepotism Backlash, Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Limit Comments On Social Media Accounts |date= 23 June 2020 |website= News18 |publisher= News18 |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 8 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200708010929/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/amid-nepotism-backlash-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-kareena-limit-comments-on-social-media-accounts-2682867.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

Johar has responded to the nepotism allegations, saying that his production house has introduced 21 debut directors, "out of which, I can say, 16-17 are not 'nepotistic' young filmmakers. They are not from the fraternity or the industry. They are completely from outside." Regarding his casting insiders, Johar said, "Why do they discredit some of the actors who are from (the industry)? I think they are talented enough to face the camera and maybe, one thing can say is that they get easy access, but after that, they have got a journey ahead."<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/karan-johar-on-nepotism-why-don-t-i-get-credit-for-bringing-outsiders-to-bollywood-as-filmmakers-1587585-2019-08-21 |title= Karan Johar on nepotism: Why don't I get credit for bringing outsiders to Bollywood as filmmakers? |date= 21 August 2019 |website= India Today |publisher= India Today |access-date= 7 July 2020 |archive-date= 15 June 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200615215306/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/karan-johar-on-nepotism-why-don-t-i-get-credit-for-bringing-outsiders-to-bollywood-as-filmmakers-1587585-2019-08-21 |url-status= live }}</ref>

* {{Cite book|last1=Johar|first1=Karan|title=[[An Unsuitable Boy]]|last2=Saxena|first2=Poonam|publisher=[[Penguin Books India]]|year=2017|isbn=978-0-670-08753-2}}

{{Commons category|Karan Johar}}