"My biggest regret is that my father wasn't there": Karan Johar on Yash Johar's absence during Dharma Productions’ peak

Over the past 26 years, Karan Johar has crafted a legacy in Indian cinema, but amid the success, there is one regret that lingers—the absence of his late father, Yash Johar, to witness the pinnacle of his achievements. In a recent appearance on Zakir Khan’s new show, Aapka Apna Zakir, Karan Johar opened up about his father's impact on his life and career.

Yash Johar’s Influence on Karan’s Journey Yash Johar, a revered producer in the Indian film industry, embarked on his production journey with the 1980 film Dostana. Karan Johar recalls the hardships his father faced in the industry, especially during times of failure. "I've witnessed a lot of failures through my father’s journey, and that is when I realized that nothing is easy," he shared. Watching his father navigate the ups and downs of the industry, Karan learned resilience—a quality that would later become crucial in his own career. The Unwavering Support of Yash and Hiroo Johar Karan Johar fondly remembers the support he received from his parents, Yash Johar and Hiroo Johar. His father’s unwavering belief in him, even when the industry was harsh, left an indelible mark on Karan. Recalling a touching memory, Karan said, “My father used to say, ‘You’re so handsome, you should become a hero!’” This sentiment was often met with playful skepticism by his mother, Hiroo Johar, who would humorously dismiss the idea. A Legacy Left Unfulfilled As Karan Johar's career soared, with landmark films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) under his belt, Yash Johar’s pride in his son knew no bounds. Karan reminisces about how his father would introduce him as “the best director in all of India.” However, the joy of sharing his success with his father was cut short. Yash Johar passed away in 2004, just as Dharma Productions, the company he founded, was entering a phase of unprecedented success. "My biggest regret is that he wasn’t with me when Dharma Productions was going through its best phase," Karan revealed.

Speaking of the professional front, KJo’s last directorial was Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. Reportedly, Karan is all set to direct another untitled film. Also Read: Aapka Apna Zakir: Karan Johar opens up about King Khan; saying, “Shah Rukh Khan is not a king, he is an emperor of a human being”