Karan Johar, who has been at the forefront of shaping modern Hindi cinema, recently shared a deeply personal chapter from his life during a candid conversation with film critic and trade analyst Komal Nahta. The filmmaker revealed that after the death of his father, the legendary producer Yash Johar, he had a moment when he contemplated shutting down Dharma Productions.
Opening up about that difficult time, Karan said, “Ek pal aisa tha ki maine socha bhi (There was a moment when I even thought) jab papa passed away that maybe I should just be a director. Maybe I should just shut Dharma Productions.”
He went on to describe how he was completely alone in the office that day, struggling with grief and confusion. “Zehan mein tha ki... I remember chauthe ke baad mein ghar pe... office aaya tha aur akela tha us din office mein aur (It was on my mind that... I remember after the fourth day rituals at home, I went to the office and I was alone there that day) and it's a true story, though it'll sound very filmy to you aur main waqehi phone kar raha tha (and I was actually making a phone call) to a dear friend and to say that I want to come and have a conversation — should I just direct? Should I shut Dharma Productions?” he contemplated.
At that time, Karan was considering focusing only on filmmaking and stepping away from production. “Because I felt that should I direct? Because I knew that if I direct outside, I'll get a large number and you know, I'll be able to just be a director. Aur us pal main nikla tha (And at that moment, I had stepped out) I was going to meet a close friend for advice. And... I reached the door,” he recalled.
What happened next, he described as almost cinematic. He continued, “Aur ussi pal mein they bought papa's photo (And at that very moment, they brought my father’s photograph) you know, jo dalne ke liye (to be placed in the office). Aur wo mujh se pooch rahe the ki chandan ka haar dale ya phoolon ka haar. Wo mujh se sawal kare the (And they were asking me whether to put a sandalwood garland or a floral one. They were asking me that question) and they were putting it up in the entrance of the office.”
That moment, he said, made him feel as though his father was speaking to him through the photograph. He added, “And while they were putting it up, I felt like at that moment my father was staring at me. Like you know, kuch woh tasveer dal rahe the upar aur wo haar unhone chadha diya aur fir mujhe un paanch minuton mein laga ki yeh main kya karne jaa raha hoon? Yeh inki company hai. Inhone mehnat se banayi hai (They were placing that photo on the wall and garlanding it, and in those five minutes I felt — what am I about to do? This is his company. He built it with so much hard work).”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Karan realised the significance of his father’s legacy and his own duty to continue it. “Dil se banayi hai. Aur main actually soch raha ho ke main company ko band kar doon. Main kaisa beta hoon? Oh my God! Main kaisa beta hoon? (He built it from the heart. And here I was actually thinking of shutting it down. What kind of son am I? Oh my God! What kind of son am I?)”, he concluded further insisting that was the turning point for him.
“So I looked at that and I went back into the room. I called my friend and said I'm not coming. I've decided what I want to do. I'll take it on. I'll take Dharma Productions. Wo timing kitni sahi thi? Mujhe abhi bhi lagta hai woh tasveer nahi. Aisa mujhe lagta hai kare mein baap ne mein wahan se chaanta maara mujhe aur chaanta uss tasveer dwara aayi thi (That timing was so perfect. Even today I feel it wasn’t just a photograph — it felt like my father slapped me from there, and that slap came through that picture),” he insisted.
Karan’s candid confession struck an emotional chord with many, as it highlighted the immense pressure and responsibility he felt in the wake of his father’s passing. The filmmaker ultimately chose to honour Yash Johar’s legacy — a decision that went on to shape the trajectory of modern Bollywood.
Under his leadership, Dharma Productions has evolved into one of India’s most successful film banners, producing and presenting acclaimed hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name Is Khan, Brahmāstra, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, among others.
Karan’s story is not just about cinema — it’s about legacy, resilience, and a son’s promise to carry forward his father’s dream.
Also Read: Karan Johar and Malaika Arora spark buzz with mysterious ‘Kaching’ teaser; Is a new venture coming?
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.
