In a deeply personal conversation that peeled back the glamorous layers of Bollywood, renowned filmmaker Karan Johar revealed how childhood scars continue to shape his life and parenting approach decades later. During an intimate discussion with tennis star Sania Mirza on Myntra's 'Glam Stream', the celebrated director bared his soul about enduring bullying, body image struggles, and their lasting impact.
The Childhood Wounds That Never Healed
Johar recalled being constantly mocked for what society deemed 'feminine' traits and interests. While other boys played conventional sports, young Karan found joy in cookery classes and flower arrangement. The bullying reached a point where he underwent voice training for three years specifically to 'sound like a man' after a public speaking trainer warned him about his feminine personality.
'I told my father I was taking computer lessons because I was too ashamed to tell him the truth,' Johar confessed, highlighting the deep shame he internalized during those formative years. The filmmaker wishes he had the awareness and courage to be honest with his family back then.
Parenting Through the Lens of Past Trauma
These childhood experiences have directly influenced Johar's approach to raising his seven-year-old twins, Yash and Roohi. He openly admits that fifty percent of his parenting anxiety stems from his own painful past. The filmmaker described himself as a 'paranoid parent' who constantly worries about his children facing similar struggles.
Johar specifically mentioned his fear about his children gaining weight, often telling them, 'Don't eat sugar. Dadda ate a lot of sugar and he suffered.' He becomes particularly anxious when they skip sports activities, remembering how he was always the last pick for teams and often told to 'play dabba gul with the girls' instead of football.
Battling Gender Stereotypes and Social Media Fears
The director strongly criticized society's rigid gender norms, expressing particular disdain for phrases like 'Don't cry like a girl' or the notion that pink isn't for boys. 'I hate that,' Johar stated emphatically, revealing that he insists people gift 'girly' items to both his children, just as he would want gaming consoles like PS5 for both.
In today's digital age, Johar faces new parenting anxieties. He expressed deep concern about children having Instagram accounts and developing anxiety about their appearance and follower counts at alarmingly young ages. 'It's crazy, they're just kids,' he remarked, contrasting it with his own childhood when appearance mattered less.
Food as Comfort and Curse
Johar detailed how food became both his sanctuary and source of struggle. During emotional pain, food provided comfort, but this relationship turned toxic when he became aware of its physical effects. He emotionally described a scene in 'Dil Dhadakne Do' where Shefali Shah's character secretly eats cake, admitting 'I used to do that' and once pretended it was his birthday four times a year at Breach Candy just to order cake he would eat alone.
Despite his National Award win for 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' in the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment category, Johar continues to battle body dysmorphia. 'I am not comfortable in my own skin,' he revealed, adding that even with weight loss, he only feels 10% more at ease because 'deep inside, I'll always be that plus-sized boy.'
However, there are signs of healing. Johar shared that during a recent Italy vacation, he wore shorts and posted pictures on Instagram—something he would never have done before. Despite some trolling comments, he maintained 'My body, my wish,' signaling a slow but significant journey toward self-acceptance that continues to evolve alongside his parenting philosophy.
