Karan Johar has emphatically declared his disinterest in pursuing a career in Hollywood.
Known for his distinctive storytelling and successful productions in the Indian film industry, Johar’s candid statement reflects his unwavering commitment to the world of Hindi cinema.
Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar envisions gracing the illustrious Oscars red carpet, but with a distinctive caveat—he aspires to represent Hindi cinema on that prestigious stage. In a recent conversation with Variety, Johar articulated his stance on the matter, emphasizing that while the allure of the Oscars is undeniable, his aspirations are firmly rooted in championing the essence of Indian filmmaking. Johar made it clear that he harbors no dreams of relocating to Hollywood for work, reaffirming that his heart remains, and will always be, steadfastly rooted in the vibrant world of Indian cinema.
Karan said, “It took a couple of trips to Los Angeles to realize that it is all wonderful and you have a lot of meetings, but my heart is in my country and my cinema is in my heart. I don’t want to leave that. I don’t want to make films without the language that’s raised me.” He also said- “I don’t need to make an English film to [win] it. It would be amazing to walk the Academy Awards red carpet, but I would like for it to be with a Hindi-language film.” (here)
Karan further asserted that the prevailing notion that Indian cinema is solely defined by song and dance is a misconception that he believes has held the industry back for many years. He said- “Yes, we make song and dance movies and we are proud of them, but there are stories made in so many languages and from so many parts of India that are beautiful and should be viewed by audiences. Thank God streaming services are bringing it to the world. The world needs to wake up to Indian stories and storytelling.” (here)
Johar’s success in Bollywood speaks for itself, with iconic films such as “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” and “My Name is Khan” resonating with audiences not only in India but across the world. His unique storytelling, emotional depth, and ability to capture the essence of Indian society have contributed to his prominence in the industry. While acknowledging the global recognition that Bollywood has garnered, Johar’s decision to stay rooted in his filmmaking roots reinforces the belief that Indian cinema has a distinct voice and narrative style that sets it apart. The vibrancy, emotion, and cultural nuances embedded in Bollywood films have found resonance with audiences worldwide.
Karan Johar’s most recent directorial venture, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” featured a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles, supported by veteran actors Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan. The film marked a notable addition to Karan’s repertoire, showcasing his ability to bring together a diverse ensemble of talent.
In addition to his directorial ventures, Karan is currently immersed in the production of the eighth season of his immensely popular talk show, “Koffee With Karan.” The show has already hosted a lineup of notable Bollywood personalities, including Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Bobby and Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor, Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal, as well as Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan. With each episode, Karan continues to provide audiences with entertaining insights into the lives and dynamics of these celebrated stars, making “Koffee With Karan” a must-watch for Bollywood enthusiasts.
Published by HOLR Magazine.