Filmmaker Karan Johar celebrated Guru Purnima by expressing gratitude to two people he says transformed his life and career: filmmaker Aditya Chopra and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In a heartfelt social media post, Karan shared throwback photos with both and recalled the conversations that inspired him to become a filmmaker.
How Aditya Chopra convinced Karan Johar to become a director
Looking back at the making of the 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Karan revealed that Aditya Chopra asked him to assist on the film just before he was set to leave Mumbai for higher studies. He said that conversation changed the course of his life.
“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 (son) … will you know what to do on a set?””
Karan said he admitted he knew very little about working on a film set but promised his father, late producer Yash Johar, that he would work hard. Recalling Aditya’s advice, he wrote, “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…”
Shah Rukh Khan’s promise before Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Karan also remembered a conversation with Shah Rukh Khan during a trip to Switzerland, where the actor assured him that he would star in his debut directorial.
“My next conversation was with Bhai @iamsrk on a hill top in 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 (You will become a director and I will star in your film)”… i thought to myself … he’s probably low on oxygen and may not completely know what he’s saying …”
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He added that once they returned to India, Shah Rukh remained committed to his promise.
“But Srk was serious… he believed in me for a reason I can’t quite comprehend even today … (just like Adi did),” Karan wrote.
Ending his note, the filmmaker thanked both of them, saying, “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.”
FAQs
Why did Karan Johar thank Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra on Guru Purnima?
Karan Johar said both Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra played a key role in shaping his career through conversations that inspired him to become a filmmaker.
Which film marked Karan Johar’s directorial debut?
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, released in 1998 and starring Shah Rukh Khan, marked Karan Johar’s directorial debut.
