In a move that has charmed Bollywood fans across the nation, the powerhouse studio Dharma Productions has issued a hilariously heartfelt apology. The production house, helmed by Karan Johar, has playfully said "sorry" for the profound emotional impact its iconic romantic films have had on audiences for decades.
The Heart of the 'Apology'
The light-hearted note, shared on social media, saw Dharma Productions taking full "accountability" for setting unrealistically high standards for love and romance. The studio specifically apologized for making an entire generation believe that a piano can be played gracefully while suspended in mid-air, a direct and beloved reference to a fantastical scene from Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
In that iconic 1998 film, Shah Rukh Khan's character serenades Kajol by playing a piano that famously has no visible keys. This is just one of the many romantic tropes the studio has lovingly been called out for.
More Iconic References and Fan Reactions
The witty apology didn't stop there. Dharma also expressed regret for prompting deep philosophical debates about the nature of relationships with the legendary line, "Pyaar dosti hai" (Love is friendship). This dialogue, another gem from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai delivered by Shah Rukh Khan to Archana Puran Singh's Miss Briganza, has been a cornerstone of countless friendship discussions.
Furthermore, the note joked about teaching men how to cry elegantly while dressed in sherwanis and convincing viewers that the right, extravagant outfit can solve almost any problem. Ending with a signature stylistic flourish, Dharma declared it was "aesthetically sorry."
The note concluded with a wink, stating, "So yes, we're sorry... but let's be honest, you wouldn't have it any other way." Fans wholeheartedly agreed, flooding the comments section with messages of love and acceptance.
One fan wrote, "Apology accepted...keep making beautiful love stories as you always do," while another commented, "Please keep doing what you do…. It’s amazing. Thank you." Another enthusiast quipped, "I can hear KJo in my ears while I read this," highlighting the distinctive voice behind the brand.
Celebrity Endorsement and Future Projects
Among the first Bollywood celebrities to endorse the playful post was actress Ananya Panday, who gave it a quick 'like' on Instagram. Panday, who made her debut with Dharma's Student of the Year 2 in 2019, has since starred in the studio's more mature offering, Gehraiyaan (2022).
Her recent work includes the 2025 historical drama Kesari Chapter 2. Looking ahead, she is set to star in the romantic comedy 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' opposite Kartik Aaryan, scheduled for a Christmas 2025 release. Another major project, the romantic saga Chand Mera Dil co-starring Lakshya, is slated for an April 2026 release.
In a significant business development, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, acquired a 50% stake in Dharma Productions and its digital arm, Dharmatic Entertainment, in late 2024. The deal, valued at a substantial ₹1,000 crore, was finalized through his company, Serene Productions, marking a new chapter for the iconic film studio.
