In a revealing conversation at the prestigious Yash Raj Studios, filmmaker Karan Johar shared intimate details about his relationship with Bollywood power couple Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra, highlighting his persistent fear of the reclusive producer and a humorous yet stressful encounter with the late actor Rishi Kapoor.
The Invisible Man of Bollywood: Aditya Chopra
During a discussion that shifted from Rani Mukerji's upcoming film Mardaani 3 to her personal life, Karan Johar described Aditya Chopra as a "myth" in the industry, noting the extreme secrecy that surrounds him. "I am petrified of him because he carries this paranoia of no image going out," Johar admitted, recalling instances where Chopra avoided social gatherings due to press concerns, despite Johar's assurances.
A Secret Wedding and a Stressful Journey
Johar vividly recounted being one of only 18 guests invited to Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra's wedding in Italy. He revealed that Chopra had sternly warned him, "If the wedding information leaks, it will only be because of you," placing immense pressure on Johar, especially since he was leaving on the release day of his film 2 States.
The journey to Italy became even more tense when Johar bumped into Rishi Kapoor at the airport lounge. "I told everyone I was going to Manchester, lying through my teeth," Johar said. Kapoor, curious about his travel plans, questioned him extensively until Johar's flight to Italy was announced, catching him in the lie. "He asked me why I was lying, and I was so stressed," Johar recalled with a mix of humor and nostalgia.
Enduring Fear and Professional Anxieties
Despite his success and age, Johar confessed that Aditya Chopra still instills fear in him. "Even now when he calls me and says my full name, I know that I am going to get fired," he shared, explaining that such formal address is reserved for reprimands. At 53, Johar emphasized, "I am still petrified of him. If I am reprimanded by anyone, it's your husband."
Background on Aditya Chopra and Yash Raj Studios
For context, Aditya Chopra is the owner and chairman of Yash Raj Studios, a legendary Bollywood production house founded by his father, Yash Chopra, in 1970. Chopra took over the reins in 2012, the same year he lost his father, continuing the studio's legacy while maintaining a notoriously private persona that contrasts with his influential role in the film industry.
This candid exchange not only sheds light on the personal dynamics within Bollywood's elite but also underscores the unique pressures and relationships that define the world of Indian cinema, blending humor, fear, and reverence in equal measure.
