Why Karan Johar once considered shutting down Dharma Productions
What's the story
Karan Johar, the celebrated Bollywood filmmaker, recently opened up about a difficult time in his life when he considered shutting down his production house, Dharma Productions. Speaking to film critic Komal Nahta, Johar revealed that this thought crossed his mind after the death of his father and legendary producer Yash Johar. He said he was contemplating a career shift from production to directing during this challenging phase.
Turning point
Alone in office, Johar thought of shutting down production house
Johar shared that he was alone in the office one day, grappling with grief. He said, "I remember after the fourth day rituals at home, I went to the office and I was alone there that day." It was during this solitary moment that he considered shutting down Dharma Productions. However, a significant event changed his mind: his father's photograph was brought into the office.
Revelation
'Felt my father was staring at me...'
Johar recalled, "They were placing that photo on the wall and garlanding it, and in those five minutes I felt...what am I about to do? This is his company. He built it with so much hard work." He further added, "And while they were putting it up, I felt like at that moment my father was staring at me." This emotional moment made him realize his duty to continue his father's legacy.
Decision made
'My father slapped me from there...'
Overwhelmed with emotion and realization, Johar decided to continue Dharma Productions. He said, "So I looked at that and I went back into the room. I called my friend and said I'm not coming. I've decided what I want to do." "That timing was so perfect. Even today, I feel it wasn't just a photograph; it felt like my father slapped me from there, and that slap came through that picture," he added.
Legacy
Meanwhile, know more about Johar's work
Under Johar's leadership, Dharma Productions has become one of India's biggest film production houses. The banner has given us cult classics like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., and My Name Is Khan. More recently, it has produced Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Homebound.