Karan Johar Opens Up About Aditya Chopra's Elusive Persona and Intimidating Presence
In the glittering world of Bollywood, where fame and visibility often go hand in hand, filmmaker Aditya Chopra stands out as a famously reclusive figure. Recently, at an intimate conversation hosted at the iconic Yash Raj Studios, filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Rani Mukerji delved into their long-standing friendship and professional relationships, with Johar offering rare insights into his dynamic with the elusive Chopra.
The Mythical Figure of Aditya Chopra in Bollywood
Karan Johar, who shares a professional bond with Aditya Chopra that spans decades, described Chopra's near-mythical presence in the industry. "Now you are married to a myth, and even conjecture about him doesn't exist," Johar told Rani Mukerji, who has been married to Chopra for the past twelve years. "Fortunately, we do know that he does exist. We have had the pleasure of spending time together."
Johar revealed that despite their long association, Aditya Chopra still has the power to intimidate him. "I am petrified of him because he carries this paranoia of no image going out," Johar confessed. He recalled how Chopra would avoid social gatherings due to fear of media presence, with Johar constantly reassuring him that no press would be there.
The Secret Wedding and Airport Encounter
One of the most fascinating anecdotes shared by Karan Johar revolved around the secrecy surrounding Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra's wedding in Italy. Johar described how he had to maintain absolute confidentiality about the event, leading to an awkward encounter with the late actor Rishi Kapoor at the airport.
"I told everyone that I am just going to Manchester. I was lying through my teeth to everyone, and the first person I bumped into was Chintoo uncle (Rishi) in the airport lounge," Johar recounted. "He asked me, 'Kaha jaa raha hai (Where are you going?)'"
The situation became increasingly uncomfortable when someone announced Johar's flight to Italy was ready, exposing his deception. "He caught me and asked me why I was lying, and I was so stressed," Johar admitted, highlighting the extreme measures taken to protect the couple's privacy.
Professional Intimidation That Persists
Despite being 53 years old and an established filmmaker in his own right, Karan Johar revealed that Aditya Chopra still manages to intimidate him professionally. "Even now when he calls me and says my full name, I know that I am going to get fired," Johar joked. "He only does that when he wants to reprimand me. I am 53, and I am still petrified of him."
Johar emphasized that if anyone has the authority to reprimand him in the industry, it would be Rani Mukerji's husband. "If I am reprimanded by anyone, it's your husband, and I had to speak about him," he told Rani during their conversation.
The Professional Bond Through Rani Mukerji
The conversation between Karan Johar and Rani Mukerji highlighted how the actress serves as an important link between the two filmmakers. While Johar has collaborated with Rani on screen multiple times, Aditya Chopra's association with her is deeply personal as her husband of twelve years.
Their discussion briefly touched upon Rani Mukerji's upcoming film 'Mardaani 3' before Johar steered the conversation toward her personal life and her relationship with the reclusive filmmaker. The event provided a rare glimpse into the private dynamics between some of Bollywood's most influential figures.
The intimate gathering at Yash Raj Studios offered fans and industry observers valuable insights into the relationships that shape Bollywood behind the scenes. From professional collaborations to personal bonds and the careful maintenance of privacy in a public industry, the conversation revealed the complex interplay between public personas and private lives in Indian cinema.
