Filmmaker Karan Johar was in attendance at the Red Sea Film Festival 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 2. He was also felicitated with the Variety International Vanguard Director Award on Saturday. At the event, he spoke about his 25-year-long career, 20 years of Kal Ho Naa Ho, his relationship with Shah Rukh Khan and more.
Speaking to Deadline, Karan Johar said, “I began my career with him when I was an AD (Assistant Director) on the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which is considered one of the legendary love stories in Indian cinema. I was in the capacity of Assistant Director. That was my learning ground. I had never been to a film school. It was that film that taught me. The director of that film is my best friend who runs a studio called Yash Raj Films. He convinced me to be a filmmaker. I thought I would be doing something else, wasn’t sure and up for it. Shah Rukh Khan was in that film and he and I became close friends.”
“On one very cold day in Switzerland we were filming, and he said, ‘You know what, you should direct your movie right after this’. And I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m ready’ and he said, ‘I think you’re ready.’” Johar recalled returning from the shoot of DDLJ and SRK calling Yash Johar and informing him that his next will be starting in October 1997 and that will be directed by his son Karan.
It’s been 13 years since Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan last collaborated on a full-fledged role though he did make an appearance in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Brahmastra – one was KJo’s directorial and the other one was his production. Though he did not talk about any impending projects with SRK, Karan said, “Shah Rukh Khan has had the best year. He has given two blockbuster movies, and he is on his way to giving his next which is now releasing at Christmas, which is called Dunki. We believe it is going to end the year with a bang. This is possibly going to be one of his most defining years and I’m just thrilled for him.”
At the event, Karan Johar was also felicitated with the Variety International Vanguard Director Award on Saturday. Taking to Instagram, Karan penned a heartfelt note upon receiving the honour and wrote, “As we draw closer to the end of the year, I feel an extreme sense of gratitude. Today, the honour of the Variety International Vanguard Director Award was presented to me - and I felt an indelible sense of pride, joy & assurance. Pride because I get to represent my country on a global level. Joy because I get to make stories, from the director & producer’s chair that the world sees and celebrates. And assurance that the best is indeed, yet to come. The magic of cinema, the magic of stories and the love of the audience is something that will always leave an impact on me & I wouldn’t trade anything for that. Thank you for this, the sweetest end to the year! @variety @redseafilm.”
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On the work front, Karan Johar last directed Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. The film also starred Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly, Aamir Bashir, Khistee Jog and Anjali Anand.
ALSO READ: Karan Johar felicitated with Variety International Vanguard Director Award at Red Sea Film Festival 2023: “Pride because I get to represent my country on a global level”
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