Filmmaker Karan Johar recently reflected on the “nepotism” tag often associated with him, revealing that his father, Yash Johar, faced significant financial hardship and film failures early in his career.
Karan Johar’s Take on the Nepotism Debate
Karan Johar became widely known as the “flag-bearer of nepotism” after actress Kangana Ranaut used the term on his chat show, Koffee with Karan, in 2017. As the son of late producer Yash Johar and Hiroo Johar, and a director who has launched many star kids, the label has stuck.
However, Karan finds the “nepotism” tag amusing, particularly when he thinks about his father’s challenging years as a producer in the 1980s and ’90s. He shared insights into his family’s struggles during a recent podcast appearance.
Dharma Productions’ Rocky Beginnings
Yash Johar founded Dharma Productions in 1980, and their very first film, “Dostana,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha, was a big hit. However, this initial success was followed by a difficult period for the banner.
Four subsequent films failed to perform at the box office. These included “Duniya” (1984), “Muqaddar Ka Faisla” (1987), “Agneepath” (1990), and “Duplicate” (1997). Another film, “Gumrah” (1993), saw only moderate success.
A Family’s Sacrifices
Karan recalled the severe financial strain these failures placed on his family. During those times, studios or banks did not provide funding as they do today, forcing producers to make personal sacrifices.
His mother, Hiroo Johar, had to sell her ancestral home and her jewelry. His father also sold the only piece of land he owned. Karan remembers seeing the sadness in their home, even as his parents tried to shield him from the difficulties.
“My Father Would Have the Biggest Laugh”
Witnessing these back-to-back disasters makes Karan laugh at the nepotism tag today. He believes his father would have found it incredibly funny, given their past.
He explained that Dharma Productions was not considered an influential powerhouse at the time; they had stumbled and fallen. Yash Johar was respected and loved by the film fraternity, but not necessarily for his consistent success as a producer.
Turning the Tide with Blockbusters
The family’s fortunes changed dramatically with Karan Johar’s directorial debut, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” in 1998. The film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, was a massive success both in India and internationally.
He followed this up with another resounding hit, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” in 2001. Tragically, after the release of “Kal Ho Naa Ho” in 2003, which Karan produced and wrote, his father, Yash Johar, passed away from cancer in 2004.
- Karan Johar finds the “nepotism” tag amusing given his family’s past financial struggles.
- His father, Yash Johar, experienced a string of four box office failures after an initial hit.
- These failures led to his parents selling land, jewelry, and their maternal home.
- Karan’s directorial debut, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” brought significant success to Dharma Productions.
Karan’s journey from witnessing his family’s hardships to becoming one of Bollywood’s most influential figures offers a unique perspective on the industry’s changing landscape and the labels that come with success.
