Karan Johar marked Guru Purnima on July 29 with a heartfelt tribute to Aditya Chopra i Shah Rukh Khanthe two mentors to whom he attributes the formation of his career. On an emotional note, she recalled the key turning points in her journey, starting with Aditya pushing her to pursue her passion for cinema, and Shah Rukh supporting her directorial skills long before she had directed a film. Karan called them the reason he is able to tell stories today, expressing deep gratitude for the trust, support and guidance they have 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 first conversation he had with his close friend Chopra, Karan revealed that it was Aditya who first saw potential in him and encouraged him to collaborate on ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, just as he was preparing to leave for further studies abroad. He recalled Aditya telling him that directing was his true calling and that moving away from films would be a “big mistake”.Karan credited Aditya for spotting a spark in him before anyone else and giving him the push he needed to take his first step into films. He wrote: “Two conversations changed my life… One was at 1am when Adi asked me to help him on DDLJ (I was about to leave to continue my studies)… he told me I should be a director… I was melodramatic and filmy and all I needed was a break because I was always on a treadmill (not the ones gyms are famous for doing this way… big mistake… I couldn’t sleep that night and then in my real me film… I dramatically went to my father the next day and asked him a year on a film set… “… I said an emphatic NO… He asked me…” Will you promise to work hard and follow all instructions “… He said…” he will make you just a producer… surely someone would believe me at that time… 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 looking for sympathy) he came to me and said ‘tu director banega i teri pehli film main karoonga’.which was a little hard of hearing) I wasn’t sure either…But Srk was serious…he believed in me for a reason I can’t understand even today…(just like Adi) I love you Adi and Bhai…I am here with my strengths and flaws… my ups and downs… my wins and my losses… just for you… You both are the only reason I can tell stories today #happygurupurnima… and a big shout out to all the gurus who have paid it forward and created careers for others… selflessly…”.
Karan Johar’s next career milestone
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Karan Johar is gearing up to reprise his hosting duties for The Traitors Season 2.