On June 26, 2024, acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Yash Johar, on the 20th anniversary of his passing.
Yash Johar, who founded the production company Dharma Productions, was a renowned Bollywood producer known for films like “Dostana,” “Agneepath,” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.” Karan, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful director himself, expressed his deep grief and gratitude in a poignant Instagram post.
Karan Johar’s Emotional Tribute to His Father
In his post, Karan Johar revealed that losing a parent was his “biggest fear” and described the pain he felt when his father told him about his terminal illness in 2003.
“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. My biggest fear was losing a parent… August 2nd,2003 my father told me he had a malignant tumour… my worst nightmare was staring at me and yet it was my duty as his child to stay positive and keep the faith… but the worst thing about instincts are that….they never lie,” Karan wrote.
The “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” director went on to express how much he misses the “solid, soulful and selfless man” that his father was, but acknowledged that Yash Johar is watching over him, his mother Hiroo Johar, and his children.
Yash Johar’s Illustrious Career in Bollywood
Yash Johar began his career in the film industry as a publicist and still photographer in the 1950s, before transitioning into production. He worked with renowned filmmakers like Sashadhar Mukherjee, Sunil Dutt, and Dev Anand, gaining valuable experience in the field.
In 1976, Johar launched his own production company, Dharma Productions, which went on to produce several hit films over the decades. Some of the notable titles under the Dharma banner include “Dostana” (1980), “Duniya” (1984), “Agneepath” (1990), “Gumrah” (1993), and “Duplicate” (1998).
However, it was the success of Karan Johar’s directorial debut, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” in 1998, that truly propelled Dharma Productions to new heights. The film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, was a critical and commercial triumph, winning multiple awards and becoming one of the biggest hits of the year both in India and overseas.
Karan Johar’s second directorial venture, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” in 2001, was also a massive success, further cementing the legacy of Dharma Productions and the Johar family’s impact on Bollywood.
The Last Film Yash Johar Saw
In a recent Instagram story, Karan Johar revealed that the last film his father saw before his passing was Farhan Akhtar’s “Lakshya” in 2004.[1] Karan shared that Yash Johar was “so proud” of the film and the performances of Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, and that the premiere was his “final goodbye to the film family.”
This poignant detail underscores the deep connection Yash Johar had with the industry he was a part of, and the sense of pride and fulfillment he must have felt in seeing his son Karan’s own rise to prominence as a filmmaker.
Karan Johar’s Tribute to His Father’s Legacy
Karan Johar’s heartfelt tribute to his father is a testament to the enduring impact Yash Johar had on the Indian film industry and his family. By sharing his personal memories and emotions, Karan has not only honored his father’s memory but also inspired others to cherish their own loved ones.
As Karan Johar continues to build upon his father’s legacy through Dharma Productions, the lessons and values instilled by Yash Johar will undoubtedly continue to guide him in his creative endeavors. The profound bond between father and son serves as a reminder of the power of family, passion, and the enduring legacy that can be left behind.
