Karan Johar’s Emotional Confession: The Troll Comment That Brought Him to Tears
Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar, a single father to twins Yash and Roohi, recently opened up about a devastating online comment that deeply wounded him. In 2017, at the age of 44, Johar embarked on his journey into parenthood via surrogacy, naming his son Yash after his late father, the esteemed film producer Yash Johar. Despite his usual resilience, a particular remark on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) struck a profound chord, forcing him to confront his decisions.
“Have You Denied Your Children a Mother?”: A Heartbreaking Question
The comment that shattered Karan Johar’s composure was blunt and brutal: “Do you realize you’ve denied your children a mother?” He recounted to Mojo Story how this single line, among many other criticisms, was uniquely impactful. It wasn’t just an insult; it was a deeply personal accusation that made him question, for the very first time, his choice to be a single parent. The weight of the words broke his heart and sent him into a spiral of self-doubt.
A Child’s Simple Truth: Reassurance from Yash and Roohi
The morning after reading the painful comment, Karan found himself in tears. Overwhelmed with emotion, he sought solace and answers from the most innocent source: his then five-year-old twins. “Are you happy?” he recalled asking them, acknowledging it was perhaps a “silly question” for young children. Their simple, unwavering response – “Because you’re our dada (father)” – served as a powerful antidote to his anguish. In that moment, their pure love and contentment validated his entire journey, washing away his doubts.
Navigating Parenthood’s Quirks: From WhatsApp Groups to Parent-Teacher Meetings
The profound affirmation from Yash and Roohi empowered Karan. He declared that he’s now “very proud” to be their single parent, embracing the unique challenges and joys that come with it. With his characteristic humor, he detailed the delightful chaos of being on “two WhatsApp groups with 30 mothers on one and 32 on another.” Every parent-teacher meeting becomes a dual role, embodying both paternal and maternal responsibilities for his twins – a “double whammy” he notes, especially as an only child himself.
The Strength of a Found Family: Unwavering Support
Being an only child and a single parent means Karan Johar lacks a traditional partner or sibling to lean on in this journey. However, he emphasized the extraordinary support he receives from his “found family” – his close circle of friends. These steadfast companions, he explained, have been by his side through every high and low, proving to be an “exceptional” support system. He considers himself “blessed” to have cultivated such a strong and loving network.
A Mentor’s Instinct: Paternal Bonds Beyond Biology
Karan Johar revealed that his paternal and maternal instincts weren’t exclusive to his biological children. Even as a mentor at Dharma Productions, he often felt a deep, guiding connection. He shared how he was “always like a father” to his cousins, Priyanka and Anushka. This nurturing instinct was particularly evident with Alia Bhatt, whom he launched in his 2012 directorial, *Student of the Year*. He confessed to having “looked over her like I’d do if I had a child” throughout her cinematic journey, highlighting his innate inclination towards protective care.
The Path to Fatherhood: A Love Story Unfolding Differently
Karan Johar also reflected on his decision to pursue surrogacy later in life. He admitted that he had initially waited to fall in love, hoping to build a family within a conventional partnership. However, he realized that one cannot perpetually wait for a predefined scenario of love and family. Ultimately, his desire to be a parent superseded all other expectations. He resolved to stop waiting for an imagined love story and instead, consciously chose to fulfill his profound wish to be a father, embracing the path that led him to Yash and Roohi.
