PremiumKaran Johar honours Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra as 'two pillars' of his successful film career
Karan Johar reflected on his 25 years in cinema, expressing gratitude to Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra for their belief in him.
Last Updated: 09.16 AM, Apr 24, 2024
On Tuesday, Karan Johar publicly acknowledged the "two pillars"—producer Aditya Chopra and superstar Shah Rukh Khan—to whom he owes his 25-year career in filmmaking. In 1995, Johar was involved with Aditya's first feature film as a filmmaker, the musical romance Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which starred SRK and Kajol. KJo also had a small role in the film. He made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai three years later.
Gratitude to mentors and early influences
At an event, Karan stated that meeting Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan was also a predetermined part of his fate. He is here today for two reasons, and they both serve as his pillars. Something they saw in him was something he failed to notice in himself, and they have his eternal gratitude for that. His pure enthusiasm fueled everything else. He might have been completely honest.
In the absence of such influential individuals, however, one has the power within them to overcome any obstacle, and they can do it all by themselves. However, the filmmaker's trials did not come until much later. The fact that two non-blood relatives have unwavering faith in him was the impetus for his initial move. According to the director, "nothing happens without hard work," although fate plays a significant role.
Challenges of directing esteemed actors
Working with actors one looked up to growing up, like Amitabh Bachchan, who starred in his home banner Dharma Productions films like Dostana (1980) and Agneepath (1990), is not easy, according to Karan. This is true not only for SRK and Aditya, but also for Karan himself. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, his second feature film as director, featured an intriguing anecdote about his first time directing Bachchan. The day before he was due to direct him, he passed out. He reflected on his role as director and the orders he had issued, expressing his gratitude to Big B.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who has helmed hits like Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, My Name is Khan, and the smash blockbuster Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani from last year, has stated that he refuses to rest on his achievements. To succeed in life, one must be able to handle setbacks and triumphs with equal aplomb. Just because they have a lot of money doesn't mean they are successful. For them, that's synonymous with contentment with themselves and their inner feelings.
The impact and limits of cinema in society
Karan recognises, accepts, and even welcomes setbacks. After he has analysed it, he goes on. But when they achieve something, he quickly moves on to the next item because it's a waste of time to rest on their laurels.
Cinema, he argued, can bring attention to important topics like women's empowerment, but it cannot alter society's fundamental structure. While Karan acknowledges that change takes time, he does think that the films of the past 15 to 20 years have significantly contributed to raising societal awareness. Naturally, there's another side to it. Some films have been and still are somewhat damaging.
Karan concluded by saying that the filmmakers in question, however, should be aware of the importance of their voice and platform.