Karan Johar on one quality Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan share: 'Crazily, equally, madly, obsessively passionate'

Karan Johar, a long-time friend and collaborator of Shah Rukh Khan, recently offered insight into the working styles of both the superstar and his son, Aryan Khan, who just made his directorial debut. Johar, who was in Aryan's debut web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, was a guest on Komal Nahta's Game Changers show on YouTube, where he discussed a common trait between the father and son and complimented SRK on his work ethic.

Shared trait between Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan

As part of a timed portion, the host requested Johar to name one shared trait between SRK and Aryan. The filmmaker highlighted how committed they are to making films, saying that they are practically identical in this regard.

Johar disclosed that the two actors are "crazily, equally, madly, obsessively passionate about every shot in every scene." He added, "Aryan goes berserk if he doesn’t get what he wants. And the quality that differentiates him from Shah Rukh is that he’s not in front of the camera."

ALSO READ: Karan Johar pens emotional note for Aryan Khan ahead of The Ba***ds of Bollywood's OTT release: 'You treaded a path that many never believed'

Aryan Khan's directorial debut

Aryan's directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, opened to favourable reviews and featured stars like Johar, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Manoj Pahwa, Anya Singh, and Mona Singh. Johar publicly called Aryan his "firstborn" in a note following the project.

The filmmaker also discussed Shah Rukh, whom he has called a "brother" and "mentor" throughout their long working relationship, which spanned decades. The superstar's unwavering faith in Johar and his films, as well as his total lack of concern for financial discussions, was highlighted by the filmmaker as a distinctive feature of their working chemistry.

Shah Rukh Khan never discusses money or script

Johar emphasised, "I feel very strongly about Shah Rukh Khan; he is my friend, mentor, brother, and my everything. He is the only person who has never talked about money with me." He went on to describe the actor’s method of signing a film, stating, "He says, ‘Whatever you want, you send the paper and I’ll sign it.’ Up until now, he has never discussed money for any of the movies with me or even heard the script. I would just go and say, ‘Bhai, I am directing a movie; these are the dates; the money is whatever you say.’ He’s my family. Apart from him, every actor has just been professional."

Johar has known Shah Rukh professionally since 1995, when he was an assistant director on the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, helmed by Aditya Chopra in his directorial debut. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) was Johar's first feature film as director; it starred Shah Rukh, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji. The film's massive box office success paved the way for numerous partnerships.

Continuing blockbuster collaborations

A number of big-budget features, including Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and My Name Is Khan (2010), continued the great collaboration. The 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, directed by KJo, also had a cameo from Shah Rukh Khan.

FAQs:

Q: Did Karan Johar act in Aryan Khan's directorial debut?

A: Yes, Karan Johar recently acted in Aryan Khan's directorial debut, the show titled "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," which is available to watch on Netflix.

Q: How far back does Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan's professional relationship go?

A: Their professional relationship dates back to 1995, when Karan Johar was an assistant director and actor on his cousin Aditya Chopra's film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Karan later made his directorial debut with Shah Rukh Khan in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).