In a riveting conversation on the podcast “Jaane Mann” hosted by Jai Madaan, noted filmmaker Karan Johar captivated audiences with his reflections on the complex and often intertwined concepts of “peace” and “power.” Johar, known for his exceptional body of work in Bollywood, attributed these characteristics to two influential figures: the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan and the revered spiritual leader Dada Vaswani.
The dialogue commenced with Madaan enquiring Johar about who embodied the essence of “power” in his eyes. With an almost immediate certainty, Johar named Amitabh Bachchan. Describing the magnetic presence of the cinematic icon, Johar stated, “Amitabh Bachchan, I think he has the power of his being when he enters a room. I feel he has that power that most people will stand up and they don’t know why they are standing up.”
Karan delved further into his rationale, highlighting that Bachchan’s charisma transcends conventional understanding. “He exudes an aura that is beyond your understanding of what an energy or power is. That is true power. Magnetism,” Johar elaborated. This admiration isn’t isolated; many within the industry and beyond share this sentiment, owing to Bachchan’s decades-long influence and command in the field of entertainment.
Shifting focus from “power” to “peace,” Madaan’s next question brought forth an equally profound response regarding the late spiritual leader Dada Vaswani. “A gentleman who is no more amongst us anymore, his name is Dada Vaswani,” Johar began, his tone reflective and respectful. He recounted an unforgettable encounter with Vaswani before an audience of 50,000 people where he felt an unprecedented sense of tranquillity. “I’ve never felt more at peace than I was with him in an encounter I had with him. I interviewed him and I had never really been moved by people in the spiritual world. But I was very moved by his presence and I felt at peace,” Johar revealed.
Reflecting on his personal and professional journey, Johar conveyed a sense of pride and fulfillment.
. He spoke candidly about his individuality and the challenges he faced, particularly about conforming to societal norms and expectations. “I was never like the other boys—their interests, their style, their sports—it just wasn’t me. It took me years to understand that I don’t owe anyone an apology for being different. I’ve embraced who I am, and that’s become my power,” he stated. Johar’s words resonate with many who struggle with self-acceptance, reinforcing the philosophy that true strength lies in authenticity.
In an era where public figures often face incessant scrutiny, Johar’s declaration of living his truth unapologetically strikes a chord. “To this day, I have never regretted the way I’ve lived or the work I’ve pursued. Everything I do is for me, unapologetically. I just want to live my truth,” Johar affirmed. His journey from a young boy questioning his place in the world to becoming a stalwart in the Indian film industry is not just inspiring but educative.
The podcast, which also touched upon his latest directorial venture “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, emphasized Johar’s commitment to his craft and his evolution as an artist. Johar hinted at being content with his accomplishments while continually striving for growth and innovation.
The conversation on “Jaane Mann” was a harmonious blend of introspection and admiration, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the values and influences that shape Karan Johar. His words on power and peace, reflected in the personas of Amitabh Bachchan and Dada Vaswani, serve as reminders of the multifaceted nature of human experience and the significance of inner strength and serenity.
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