Karan Johar (born 25 May 1972) is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and television host. He made his name with the family melodramas Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and as head of Dharma Productions he is one of the most powerful producers in Hindi cinema, having launched many of its current stars. He is also known across India as the host of the celebrity chat show Koffee with Karan.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Karan Kumar Johar |
| Born | 25 May 1972, Bombay (now Mumbai), India |
| Age | 54 |
| Occupation | Director, producer, screenwriter, television host |
| Parents | Yash Johar, Hiroo Johar |
| Education | H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai |
| Company | Dharma Productions |
| Children | 2 (Yash and Roohi) |
| Honours | Padma Shri (2020) |
Early Life
Johar is the only child of the producer Yash Johar, who founded Dharma Productions in 1976, and Hiroo Johar. He studied at Greenlawns High School and H.R. College. He has written that he was a shy, overweight child. His film career began as an assistant director, and in a small acting role, on his friend Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995).
Career
His first film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, won the Filmfare Awards for Best Film and Best Director. He followed it with the multi-star Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), My Name Is Khan (2010), Student of the Year (2012), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).
After his father’s death in 2004 Johar took charge of Dharma Productions. Its films include Kal Ho Naa Ho, Dostana, Wake Up Sid, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Kapoor & Sons, Raazi, Shershaah and Brahmastra, and it presented the Hindi versions of Baahubali. He introduced Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra in Student of the Year. In 2024 Adar Poonawalla bought a half share in the company.
Koffee with Karan began in 2004 and has run for eight seasons. He has also been a judge on talent shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and India’s Got Talent.
Personal Life
Johar became a single father to twins, Yash and Roohi, born through surrogacy in February 2017. His memoir, An Unsuitable Boy, appeared the same year. He has often been at the centre of the debate about nepotism in the film industry.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Karan Johar born?
Karan Johar was born on 25 May 1972 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India and is 54 years old.
What is Karan Johar’s occupation?
Occupation: Director, producer, screenwriter, television host.
What honours has Karan Johar received?
Padma Shri (2020).
Featured image: Karan Johar at the IIFA Awards weekend, New Jersey, 14 July 2017. Photo by Laura Lee Dooley, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
