Filmmaker Karan Johar has candidly discussed his fears about the questions his children might pose about their unconventional family setup. Johar, a single parent to twins Yash and Roohi, recently shared his concerns on Netflix’s reality show Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, during which he reflected on the complexities of raising children in a “modern family.”
The conversation took place during an emotional moment on the show. Actor Neelam Kothari opened up about her past, including her divorce from Rishi Sethia and her experience adopting her daughter with her current husband, actor Samir Soni. Moved by Neelam’s openness, Johar admitted to feeling a deep connection to her story. “That really moved me because I remember those days so clearly,” he said. “I really teared up; I was actually connecting to it on an emotional level. You spoke about your daughter, and that’s also something that struck a chord with me. My constant fear is that I also have to deal with those questions from my own children about my circumstances and that I have a modern family situation.”
Johar, who welcomed Yash and Roohi in 2017 through surrogacy, has long been aware of the unique challenges posed by his family structure. He also acknowledged that he will eventually have to address sensitive issues, including the public discussions around his sexuality. “They will find out things, and I will have to be answerable. Being a single parent, I know I am answerable to my children about so many aspects,” he shared.
The director has previously spoken about his sexual orientation. In a 2020 interview with India Today, Johar stated, “Everybody knows what my sexual orientation is. I don’t need to scream it out. If I need to spell it out, I won’t only because I live in a country where I could possibly be jailed for saying this.” His remarks highlighted both his own personal journey and the legal landscape that surrounds LGBTQ+ rights in India.
Work-Front
Meanwhile, Johar’s professional journey has been eventful. In 2023, he made a successful return to direction with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which performed well at the box office. Despite some recent setbacks with projects like Kill, Yodha, and Jigra, Johar remains one of Bollywood’s most influential figures. Recently, he sold a 50% stake in his production house, Dharma Productions, to businessman Adar Poonawalla for ₹1,000 crore following reports of financial strain within the company.
As Johar navigates both his career and family life, he faces a future that promises more questions—both from his children and from a public that has closely followed his journey.
