Karan Johar
Karan Kumar Johar (born 25 May 1972), popularly known as Karan Johar or KJo, is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, costume designer and television personality who works primarily in Hindi cinema. He is the chairman and creative head of Dharma Productions, one of India’s leading film production companies. Johar is regarded as one of the most influential and commercially successful filmmakers in contemporary Bollywood.
| Karan Johar | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 25 May 1972 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Age | 53 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor, Costume Designer, Television Host |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham My Name Is Khan |
| Education | Greenlawns High School H.R. College of Commerce and Economics Master’s degree in French |
| Father | Yash Johar |
| Mother | Hiroo Johar |
| Children | Yash Johar Roohi Johar |
| Production company | Dharma Productions |
Early and Personal Life
Karan Johar was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to film producer Yash Johar, the founder of Dharma Productions, and Hiroo Johar. He has Punjabi Hindu ancestry from his father’s side and Sindhi Hindu ancestry from his mother’s side.
Johar completed his schooling at Greenlawns High School, Mumbai, and later attended H.R. College of Commerce and Economics. He earned a Master’s degree in French. Growing up in a film-oriented household, he was exposed to cinema from an early age and cited filmmakers such as Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra and Sooraj R. Barjatya as major influences.[1]
In February 2017, Johar became a single parent through surrogacy to twins, a son named Yash (named after his father) and a daughter named Roohi (a rearrangement of his mother’s name, Hiroo).[2]
Career
Early Career
Johar began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, appearing in the Doordarshan television series Indradhanush (1989). He later worked as an assistant director on Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), where he also played a small acting role and contributed to the screenplay and costume styling.[3]
Director
Johar made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), a romantic drama that became a major blockbuster and won eight Filmfare Awards, including Best Film and Best Director. The film established him as a leading filmmaker in Hindi cinema.[4]
His subsequent directorial ventures include:
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
- Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
- My Name Is Khan (2010)
- Student of the Year (2012)
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
His films are known for ensemble casts, emotional storytelling, music-driven narratives and strong overseas box office performance.
Producer
After the death of his father in 2004, Johar took over Dharma Productions and expanded it into a major production house. Under his leadership, the company produced several commercially and critically successful films including Kal Ho Naa Ho, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Raazi, Kapoor & Sons, Simmba and Brahmastra.
Actor and Other Roles
Johar has appeared in cameo roles in multiple films such as Om Shanti Om, Luck by Chance and Fashion. He made his full-fledged acting debut as the antagonist in Bombay Velvet (2015).
He has also worked as a costume designer for several Shah Rukh Khan films, contributing to their iconic on-screen looks.
Television
Karan Johar is the creator and host of the popular celebrity talk show Koffee with Karan, which premiered in 2004 and became one of India’s most-watched chat shows. He has also served as a judge on reality shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s Got Talent and India’s Next Superstars.
Awards and Honours
Johar has received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Filmfare Awards. In 2020, he was conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Legacy
Karan Johar is considered a defining figure in modern Bollywood, known for shaping mainstream Hindi cinema’s global appeal. Through Dharma Productions and his directorial work, he has launched several successful actors and filmmakers and remains a central force in the Indian entertainment industry.