Karan Johar opens up about financial struggles and family sacrifices behind bollywood success

Karan Johar is one of Bollywood's most prominent filmmakers, known for producing and directing some of the industry's biggest hits. However, the road to success has not been without its challenges and sacrifices, many of which remain hidden from the public eye.

Despite being frequently criticized for promoting nepotism, Karan Johar recently opened up about the financial difficulties his family faced. During an interview with Faye D'Souza, he recounted how his father, Yash Johar, a respected filmmaker known for classics like Dostana, Agneepath, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, endured a series of setbacks after the success of Dostana in 1980. Yash Johar experienced five consecutive failures, which placed a heavy financial burden on the family.

Karan shared stories of his family's struggles, explaining that his mother had to sell his grandmother’s flat and some of her jewelry to repay financiers. His father also had to sell property in Delhi to cover debts. These sacrifices underscore the immense pressure and hardships they endured during those times.

Karan Johar spoke about his relentless efforts to build his career and turn Dharma Productions into a successful venture. He mentioned that his first three films as a director were highly successful, which helped stabilize the family’s finances after his father's passing. He stated, emphasizing his dedication and hard work,

"I feel very proud that I could live my father’s dream. I worked very hard. There have been times when I worked for 18 hours a day. I work through weekends and national holidays. I work every day. I work for about 16 to 20 hours every day. I sleep for only five hours. I work very hard for the money I have made. I am never going to apologise for that."

Karan Johar's latest directorial venture, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, released in 2023, was both a box office success and a critical darling. Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the film solidified his reputation as a top-tier director. He is currently preparing for his next directorial project, which remains untitled.

As a producer, Karan continues to release films consistently. His latest production, Kill, hit theaters on July 5, 2024, further showcasing his commitment to the industry.