Karan Johar, one of Bollywood’s top filmmakers, recently opened up about the financial struggles his family faced before achieving success. Despite often being labeled as privileged, Karan shared stories of hard work and sacrifices that helped him build his career.
The Tough Times
Karan Johar’s father, Yash Johar, was a well-known filmmaker who produced hit movies like “Dostana” and “Agneepath.” However, after the success of “Dostana” in 1980, he faced a series of five film flops. During an interview with Faye D’Souza, Karan recalled how his family had to deal with these tough times.
Karan’s mother had to sell her mother’s (Karan’s nani) flat to pay back financiers after the first film failed. When another film didn’t do well, she sold some of her jewelry. His father even sold property in Delhi to manage the financial crisis.
Not Born Wealthy
Karan clarified that despite his father’s reputation, they were not a wealthy family. They were middle-class or upper-middle-class, which meant they had enough for basic needs, but they couldn’t afford luxuries like international travel. Karan went to a good school and his dad drove a decent car, but they weren’t living extravagantly.
Growing up, Karan felt special because his father made him feel like a prince, but their financial situation was far from royal.
Hard Work and Success
Karan Johar spoke about how hard he worked to achieve his current success. After his father passed away, he took over Dharma Productions and worked tirelessly to make it thrive. He mentioned working 18-hour days, including weekends and holidays, often getting only five hours of sleep. His dedication paid off, and his films as a director did exceptionally well.
He proudly stated, “I am never going to apologize for that,” emphasizing the effort he put into earning his wealth and living his father’s dream.
Moving Forward
Karan Johar’s latest film as a director, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani,” released in 2023, was a hit and received critical acclaim. The movie starred Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Karan is already preparing for his next directorial project, which is still untitled.
As a producer, Karan continues to release films consistently. His most recent production, “Kill,” was released on July 5, 2024.
Karan Johar’s journey is a testament to his hard work and determination, proving that success often comes from facing and overcoming challenges.
