Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has once again given the public a raw and vulnerable glimpse into his personal life, speaking candidly about his profound experiences with loneliness and his quest for a life partner. In a heartfelt conversation with tennis star Sania Mirza on her podcast, 'Serving It Up With Sania', Johar revealed the depths of his longing for companionship and the extreme advice he received from friends.
The Search for 'There' and Advice to Move Abroad
Karan Johar delved into a period in his life defined by a deep yearning for love and a meaningful relationship. He recounted experiencing the full spectrum of romantic turmoil, from one-sided affections to heartbreak, emotions that famously fueled the narratives of his iconic films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
This personal journey led to moments of intense self-doubt, where he questioned whether someone would ever love him for who he is, rather than for his fame and success. He shared that his close friends, in an attempt to help, suggested he put himself 'out there'. "I’m still looking for what ‘there’ is, I don’t know where that ‘there’ is," Johar remarked, highlighting his confusion.
The advice took a more drastic turn when some friends proposed he consider moving abroad to find a partner. Johar responded with bemusement and practicality, stating, "And I’m like abroad jakar pata nahi what I’m going to find? And abroad where, yaar? I live here. I have a mom and two kids; I have to live here." He acknowledged that despite these efforts, the feeling of loneliness remains a persistent reality for him.
Loneliness Amidst Success and the Belief in a 'Unit of Two'
Johar poignantly described how his loneliness is often most acute during his biggest professional triumphs. He recalled the night he won the National Award for his recent directorial venture, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, as a stark example. The milestone felt hollow because he had no partner to share the joy with, reinforcing his core belief about human connection.
"We are meant, actually, to be a unit of two," Johar asserted. He elaborated that the love of a partner is unique and irreplaceable, distinct from the bonds shared with parents, siblings, or children. For him, this partnership is not primarily about intimacy, but about sharing the mundane details of the day and the pinnacles of life's achievements. "We were never meant to fly solo, no matter what," he concluded.
Dealing with Couples and a Hopeful Heart
In his signature style, which blends profound insight with witty humour, Johar expressed his frustration with public displays of affection and social situations dominated by couples. He admitted that being around married friends can amplify his sense of emptiness, leading him to avoid them at times to not feel like a burden, especially on occasions like New Year's Eve.
Despite the challenges, the filmmaker has not closed the door on love. With a classic Bollywood reference, he stated, "Aab Rab ne mere liye jodi nahi banayi. (Now, God hasn’t made a match for me)." However, he quickly added a note of hope, saying, "And they say never say never. When that happens, my arms are wide open, like Shah Rukh Khan!" This revelation shows that while he confronts his loneliness, he still holds space for the possibility of a loving partnership in the future.
