Karan Johar marked Guru Purnima on July 29 with a heartfelt tribute to Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan, the two mentors he credits for shaping his career. In an emotional note, he recalled key turning points in his journey, starting with Aditya pushing him to chase his passion for cinema, and Shah Rukh backing his directorial abilities long before he’d helmed a film. Karan called them the reason he’s able to tell stories today, expressing deep gratitude for the trust, support, and guidance they’ve given him over the years.
Karan Johar recalls his first conversation with Aditya Chopra
A while back, Karan posted a collage capturing memories with Shah Rukh and Aditya. Recalling the very first conversation he had with close friend Chopra, Karan revealed it was Aditya who first saw potential in him and encouraged him to assist on ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, just as he was preparing to leave for further studies abroad. He remembered Aditya telling him that direction was his true calling, and that turning away from cinema would be a “huge mistake.” Karan credited Aditya for spotting a spark in him before anyone else did and for giving him the push he needed to take his first step into filmmaking. He wrote, “Two conversations were life changing for me…One was at 1am in the morning when Adi asked me to assist him on DDLJ ( I was about to leave for my further studies )… he told me I had to be a director … I was melodramatic and filmy and the only thing I needed was an interval because I was always on a treadmill ( not the ones gyms are famous for ) … he said if I didn’t pursue this path I would be making a huge mistake … I couldn’t sleep that night and then in my true filmy self… I went dramatically to my father the next morning and asked him for a year of my life…. A year on a film set …. He looked at my moist eyes ( looked like tears but was actually just lack of sleep and a developing stye) and said “beta … will you know what to do on a set ? “ …. I said an emphatic NO…. He asked … “ Will you promise to work very hard and follow every instruction ? “…. He said… “ that will make you a producer …. To be a director you need only and only Passion”…Passionate I was but wasn’t sure anyone would believe me at that point…. only Adi did… only him…”
Karan Johar remembers Shah Rukh Khan’s belief in him
Talking about his memory with SRK, KJo wrote, “Switzerland … I was looking at the mountains ( pretending to be home sick and seeking sympathy ) he came to me and said “ tu director banega and teri pehli film main karoonga”… i thought to myself … he’s probably low on oxygen and may not completely know what he’s saying …But he was serious and followed up with my father as we got back to India … my father ( who was mildly hard of hearing ) wasn’t sure either ….But Srk was serious… he believed in me for a reason I can’t quite comprehend even today … ( just like Adi did ) I love you Adi and Bhai… I am here with my strengths and flaws….my ups and downs … my wins and my losses … only and only because of the both of you …. You both are the only reason I can tell stories today #happygurupurnima … and a big shout out to every guru who has paid it forward and created careers for others …selflessly….. “
Karan Johar’s next professional milestone
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Karan Johar is gearing up to reprise his hosting duties for The Traitors Season 2.
