Celebrated filmmaker and television personality, Karan Johar, is currently reveling in the success of his latest film, 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani.' He is also at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for the premiere of 'Kill,' a film produced by Johar's Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga's Sikhya Entertainment. In a candid conversation with Film Companion's Sneha Menon Desai, Karan Johar spoke about handling criticism, embracing his individuality, the film 'Kill,' and more.
Karan Johar, known for his unapologetic and flamboyant personality, acknowledged that he has often been at the receiving end of criticism and hate. He believes that it's "cool" for some people to dislike someone like him because of his high visibility in the media. He mentioned his frequent presence on TV, his appearances on chat shows, and his endorsement deals as factors that may contribute to the negative perception. However, he expressed vulnerability, revealing that he is as emotionally fragile as anyone else and has faced heartbreaks, challenges, and the responsibilities of being a single parent.
Johar emphasized the importance of living life on his own terms and not catering to the judgments or opinions of others. He stressed that he is here to be himself and be proud of it, without seeking validation from external sources. Karan Johar believes that he has a lot of love to give, and he hopes that even those who have disliked him in the past will give him a chance to show his true self.
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Jul 1, 2026Karan Johar spoke about his involvement in 'Kill,' a film directed by Nikhil Bhat, which received positive reviews at TIFF. He admitted that initially, he wanted to remove Dharma Productions' logo from the film, as it didn't align with the usual Dharma style. Johar also surprised many by revealing his affinity for violent, slasher films. He expressed his love for franchises like 'John Wick' and movies like 'Raid,' which might not be associated with him due to his public image. However, producing 'Kill' felt natural to him because it provided the kind of cinematic thrill he enjoys.
Despite his immense success, Karan Johar confessed to having one fear: becoming irrelevant. He thrives on being recognized and appreciated by people. He relishes the limelight, enjoys interacting with his fans, taking photographs, and even speaking to their parents. The fear of fading into obscurity is what keeps him going and motivated to continue creating content that connects with audiences.
Karan Johar's candid conversation at TIFF provides insights into his personal journey, his acceptance of criticism, and his passion for filmmaking. He emphasizes the importance of living authentically and unapologetically. As he continues to evolve in the entertainment industry, Johar remains unafraid to explore unconventional genres and challenge stereotypes, all while enjoying the limelight that comes with his successful career.
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