Karan Johar's Fashion Intervention: How He Redefined Shah Rukh Khan's Denim Style on DDLJ Sets
In a revealing interview with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India, filmmaker Karan Johar revisited a pivotal early career moment that involved fashion advice, denim, and a young Shah Rukh Khan during the filming of the iconic 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Johar, who served as an assistant director on the film, was unexpectedly tasked with overseeing Shah Rukh Khan's wardrobe, marking the beginning of his influential role in shaping Hindi cinema's fashion landscape.
The Denim Conversation That Changed Everything
Recalling their first interaction, Karan Johar described how the discussion centered on the fit of Shah Rukh Khan's jeans. At the time, SRK favored Wrangler denim, but Johar saw an opportunity for improvement. "Can I give you a better silhouette," Johar remembered telling the superstar. The suggestion took Shah Rukh Khan completely by surprise. As Johar recounted, SRK immediately approached director Aditya Chopra and questioned, "Yeh kaun hai aur kya bol raha hai? Jeans ke bare main baat kar raha hai." This moment, though seemingly minor, became a turning point in their professional relationship.
In a previous appearance on The Manyavar Shaadi Show, Johar shared that Aditya Chopra defended him by explaining to SRK, "Yeh South Bombay se aaya hai… inn logon ko pata hota hai." The result was immediate and lasting: Levi's soon replaced Wrangler in Shah Rukh Khan's wardrobe. "They'll just fit you better and give you a better silhouette," Johar emphasized, adding with a smile, "Now he has developed such a strong opinion on denim."
Bollywood's Fashion Evolution Through the Decades
Beyond personal anecdotes, Karan Johar traced how Hindi cinema has profoundly shaped everyday fashion across India for decades. He reflected on costume trends, praising the late 1960s as "the most stylish, fashionable clothing that you will see," while dismissing the 1980s as visually jarring. Johar highlighted several films as key milestones that made on-screen fashion both aspirational and wearable for the masses:
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
- Maine Pyar Kiya
- Rangeela
- Dil To Pagal Hai
Johar credited designer Manish Malhotra with revolutionizing Bollywood fashion in the 1990s, noting that iconic outfits from films like Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham remain highly sought after today. "I think sangeet happened because of cinema," he stated, underscoring how cinematic portrayals have directly influenced real-life wedding celebrations and traditions.
International Sourcing and Wardrobe Secrets
The filmmaker also opened up about the challenges of sourcing costumes internationally for his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He recalled how his father doubted his unconventional choices, thinking he was "mad" for selecting items like the Gap jumpsuit and Polo Sport T-shirt, which weren't originally designed for mainstream wear. This bold approach helped set new fashion trends in Indian cinema.
On what happens to costumes after filming concludes, Johar revealed that most items are carefully stored and frequently reused. "The saris go into our godown," he explained, noting that while iconic looks are preserved for their historical value, much of the wardrobe quietly reappears in other productions, creating an ongoing cycle of cinematic fashion.
This candid reflection from Karan Johar not only highlights his early influence on Shah Rukh Khan's style but also demonstrates how Bollywood continues to serve as a powerful force in defining and evolving fashion trends across India and beyond.
