This story is from April 8, 2016

Karan Johar: Success should not give you ego, delusion or power

When critics slotted his brand of films as family drama, he claimed his position as the master of the game.
Karan Johar: Success should not give you ego, delusion or power
When critics slotted his brand of films as family drama, he claimed his position as the master of the game. Today, he has changed the dynamics of Indian cinema and created space for experimental filmmaking by launching 13 new directors and giving them a chance to tell their stories. A risk which only filmmaker-actor Karan Johar can take. His company, Dharma Productions, has evolved over the years and has boosted the confidence and careers of new-age talent and explored new genres' a vision which Karan takes pride in.
In a conversation with BT, he tells us why we can't take anything for granted in this industry and how launching actors is serious business for him.
You just returned from Mandawa, near Jaipur ' a hot (pun intended) location.
Yes, the temperatures were soaring. The place is blessed. I was shooting 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' there, but before that 'PK' and 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' were also shot there. With temperatures as high as 40 degrees, it can get exhausting. Perhaps I'm also a wee bit spoilt, as I have shot most of my movies in London (laughs).
You always take a chance with new directors. It has really paid off with Shakun Batra.
I am very proud of Shakun. Imran Khan had brought him to our office. One day Imran told me, 'I have this really good friend who has assisted Farhan and Zoya Akhtar and he has a script.' Next thing I know, this intense-looking, tiny boy walked in. He was a combo of intensity and humour, and he left me intrigued. We discussed 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu' (EMAET), where the couple doesn't land up together at the end of the film. That was his biggest fear. It is the reality of our times, but will Dharma make this film was the big question. I told him to go ahead and make it with conviction and to not shy away from what is unusual, but real. I have to say that he is one filmmaker with a lot of clarity. Earlier, he didn't know how to chase the box office, but now he is more aware of the dynamics.

'Kapoor and Sons' (Since 1921) was a tough film to cast. There was a point when we almost didn't make it. We kept it on the backburner for over a year. No one was willing to do Fawad Khan's role. We went to six actors and after six rejections, I told Shakun that we should drop the idea and he started developing another screenplay. Later, in a flash of thought Fawad came to my mind. I sent him the script, he loved it and said he would do it. Subsequently, I went to Sidharth Malhotra. I was surprised Alia Bhatt agreed to do the role. The script is not positioned around her, yet, she has a strong part. For us she is an in-house talent at Dharma. I am glad she had the foresight and I hope more actors look out for good films rather than ask, 'What is my part'.
You launched Sidharth, Alia and Varun Dhawan. They look up to you as their mentor and they will always go all out for you, right?
I do not want Sid, Alia or Varun to ever feel that I am imposing a film on them. They all have their individual graphs and careers and they should make their own decisions. I would be okay if they said no to me, also because that means they are thinking. And they are being professional and I like that. They do not have to do every film that I offer them and they should not.
'Thozha' to be screened for Karan Johar?
Their career has seen a stupendous growth. Have you had time to sit back and enjoy a proud father moment?
I am someone who never sits back and has these proud moments. For me, success is something that gives me relief and failure makes me contemplate. The only time I sit back is when I fail. And I try and not repeat that mistake. Success and happiness are emotions that I do not allow to fester. If I allow them to fester, I will vegetate in that zone. I like to remain on the move constantly. Success should not give you ego, delusion or power. That is how I have lived my entire career. When I see filmmakers, who have had one-two successful films, walking around like they are proud owners of their world, I want to slap them. I know that success is seasonal, especially in our industry where things are so erratic and constantly evolving. In this industry, nothing can be taken for granted. I am so proud of my three kids ' Sid, Varun and Alia. They have done amazingly well. They are going to be in my will.
Aryan and Suhana (Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan's kids) are also a part of your will?
Yes, I have a very packed will. Aryan and Suhana are the gold members of my will. Then I have Alia, Sid and Varun. I love all of them. Every time Varun, Sid and Alia appear even on a magazine cover, I feel like a proud parent. But there has to come a time when everyone has to be left on their own. I want them to be masters of their own choices now. Of course, I am always there. I am very involved with their careers. If you scroll down my phone log, you will see a call from each of them every day. There will be a call either I have made or they have. I know where they are and vice-versa. I also feel invested in all of them.
It is a good year for Dharma'
Yes, it is an exciting year. It has just started. We have a line-up of some interesting work coming up. We have always chosen content over everything. I have never wanted to make a project just for the sake of it. Some go right, some go wrong. But I chase good, talented directors who have a vision. We have launched 13 first-time filmmakers. We are operating more on content. I do not know whether we have the ability to do more genres but we are trying.
I have said that I will periodically launch acting talent, because I give a lot of myself to their career. I cannot spread myself too thin. For me every photo-shoot they do, every fashion show that they walk for and every appearance they make is build-up for their larger stardom. So, I get really involved in all of it. When people ask me to launch another three faces immediately, I say 'no.' I need time! I can't be flippant about launching talent. Of course, I will do it, but I will take my own time.
You are coming back as a director after four years. It has been a long break.
Yes, I agree. I do not wish to give such long gaps between directing movies ever again. I intend to come back with a movie every year and a half. My entire 40s will be dedicated to making three-four more films. Now, I have reached a stage where I do not fear failure any more. The reason why I took so much time earlier was because I feared failure, and I was afraid I would go wrong and not be accepted. Now that doesn't scare me. I feel I have reached a stage where even if I fumble and fall, I will rise again. It is just who I am.
You have a star-studded line-up for the film and a stock of great talent, too.
I am very excited about 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' for various reasons. Working with Ranbir (Kapoor), Fawad, Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and Anushka (Sharma) has been an exceptional experience. This time, I'm working with such a young crew who exude so much energy. It has enforced certain vigour in me. It wasn't as if it was totally missing earlier either. In my 40th year, I made 'Student Of The Year.' Being young and having that youthful energy is what we as a company are all about. But this time around, it is not just a story, it's an experience. When you see 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' (coming this Diwali) you will be able to relate to it.
Listen to Kapoor & Sons on Gaana.com
WATCH: Will Karan Johar Bring Salman Khan And Shahrukh Khan Together For Koffee With Karan?
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About the Author
Meena Iyer

Meena Iyer is Editor, Bombay Times and a film critic for the Times of\nIndia. She's a veteran movie journalist - friend of the actors, confidante\nof the actresses, a champion of scoops on what's hot and what's not in\nBollywood. At home, she enjoys her cuppa Madras 'kapee' more than the\nEspresso in shopping malls or 'cutting chai' on film sets.

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