Karan Johar: A Man Who Wears Multiple Hats

By Nikita Saha

Karan Johar or KJO, as he is famously known, has achieved success in each one of the many creative zones he has dabbled in. As a director he has created films and moments that have made a mark in Bollywood. As a producer he has taken the film company he inherited, Dharma Productions to the top of the league. As the entertainment stalwart turns 49 today, Nikita Saha lists out a few highlights from KJo’s showbiz career:

The Beginnings

KJo rose to fame with the Bollywood blockbuster “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge” – playing Shah Rukh Khan’s friend in the film. But did you know that Karan’s long-running Bollywood career actually began by starring in the Doordarshan classic Indradhanush in 1989? The show was directed by Aanand Mahendroo, and was about kids and a time machine!

Directorial Debut

Not only did he play a cameo in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge but KJo also donned the Assistant Director’s hat on this film, working with director Aditya Chopra. Three years later, in 1998, KJo debuted as a Director with “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, which was a huge Bollywood blockbuster and his first taste of success.

On a Winning Streak

KJo’s directorial career made headway as his films Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Ghum and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna became roaring box-office successes. As a producer his studio Dharma Productions has earned billions on the back of hits like Kal Ho Na Ho, Agneepath, Dostana, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Humpty Sharma Ki Duhaniya and Student Of The Year.

The SRK connection

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, a much sought-after onscreen pairing in the 1990s, played a big part in the success of Karan Johar’s first two films. His close association with Shah Rukh Khan also soared higher with each film that they collaborated on. Karan Johar is also known for designing costumes for Shah Rukh Khan.

Koffee With Karan

KJo became a household name when he turned a talk show host with his primetime show Koffee With Karan. The show essentially caters to the many curiosities of the Bollywood fandom based all over the world, and has often been in the midst of innumerable controversies owing to the nature of its content.

With so many accolades to his name, Karan Johar is now considered one of the Big Daddies of Bollywood!