Renowned filmmaker and Dharma Productions head, Karan Johar, recently opened up about a heart-wrenching incident involving his 7-year-old son, Yash, during a family holiday. While on a relaxing vacation, Karan unintentionally made a comment that he deeply regretted, highlighting a challenge many modern parents face—balancing concerns for their children’s health with fostering a positive body image.
Karan Johar welcomed his twins, Yash and Roohi, via surrogacy in February 2017. He chose the name Yash for his son in remembrance of his late father, Yash Johar, while his daughter’s name, Roohi, is an anagram of his mother Hiroo’s name. During an in-depth conversation with journalist Faye D’Souza, Karan revealed his anxieties and the remorse he felt following the inadvertent comment to his son.
“I saw Yash consuming sugar and putting on weight during our holiday, and paranoia took over,” Karan confessed. “In a moment of concern, I told him, ‘Yash, you’ve put on weight.’ Almost immediately, I regretted it. This comment came from a place of worry, but I realized how damaging it could be to say such things at this tender age.” Johar elaborated that he doesn’t want his son to grow up with insecurities. “This is the age for him to enjoy life, to be happy and carefree,” he emphasized.
Karan Johar, who has himself battled weight issues, identified with Yash’s plight. “The genetic disposition is something I recognize because I see it in myself as well and inherited it from my mother. It isn’t a flaw, but it’s a reality we have to manage carefully,” he explained.
Following the incident, Johar found himself engulfed with guilt. “I went into my room and harshly questioned myself, ‘Why did you do this?’ I then went outside, hugged Yash, and apologized, telling him, ‘I’m really sorry, please eat what you want.’ It was crucial for me to make him feel secure and loved.
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The filmmaker admitted that he constantly struggles with not projecting his insecurities onto his children. “I encourage Yash to play sports, engage in activities like football and cricket—things I never did. Then, I stop myself and think, ‘I shouldn’t be this kind of parent.’ I want my children to make their own choices and grow into their own persons.”
On a different note, Karan’s professional life has been thriving. On his 52nd birthday in May, he announced his much-anticipated return to directing after the massive success of his 2023 film, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” The film, featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, was a box office sensation and also starred veteran actors like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan. This project reignited the fascination of his fans and the industry for his upcoming work.
Meanwhile, Karan’s role as a producer has also been making headlines. His recent production venture, “Kill,” has been receiving widespread acclaim. The film features Lakshya in the lead role, supported by Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, this action-thriller epitomizes high-octane sequences set against the backdrop of a tense train journey, captivating the audience with its thrilling narrative. Released in India on July 5, 2024, “Kill” has proven to be another feather in Karan’s illustrious cap.
The dualities of Karan Johar’s life—his sensitive role as a father versus his commanding presence in the film industry—paint a dynamic picture of a man navigating complex personal and professional landscapes. His candid revelations about the challenges of parenthood resonate with many, emphasizing an important discourse around children’s health and body image.
Balancing professional success with personal responsibilities is a tightrope that Karan appears to be mastering, albeit with moments of introspection and vulnerability. His story serves as a potent reminder that behind the glamour and fame lies a father who, like many others, is striving to give his children the best life possible while learning and growing every step of the way.
