Karan Johar Opens Up About Traumatic Experience with Saroj Khan During DDLJ Days
Karan Johar, one of Bollywood's most prominent filmmakers today, has candidly shared a harrowing chapter from his early career. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar revealed that his time working with the legendary choreographer Saroj Khan on the sets of the 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge left him deeply traumatized.
From Costume Assistant to Terrified Runner
Johar began his film journey as a costume assistant under Aditya Chopra during the making of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. His responsibilities included coordinating outfits designed by Manish Malhotra and Pamela Chopra, Aditya's mother. However, it was a specific incident during the filming of the iconic song "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna" that turned into a nightmare.
The crisis erupted when Saroj Khan demanded red scarves for all dancers performing the famous 'Shaava' step. With insufficient fabric available, Johar attempted a creative solution. He suggested to Saroj Khan's assistant, Jojo, that the dancers could hold the scarf in one hand while keeping the other in their pocket, arguing it would look stylish and avoid a "Yamma Yamma" appearance.
The Moment of Panic and Fear
When Saroj Khan reviewed the setup, she immediately questioned the missing scarves. Upon hearing Johar's suggestion, she erupted in anger. "She caught hold of me—literally pushed me—and said, 'Go wherever you have to. Go to Goregaon, bring the red cloth, or I will not shoot,'" Johar recounted. He described sprinting through the streets of Goregaon with the costume dada, desperately searching for red satin cloth, fearing for his life.
Johar emphasized the intensity of the moment, stating, "I was scared for my life. I was traumatized. She was terrifying." Despite this fear, he acknowledged her unparalleled talent, calling her "the best" in her field.
A Pattern of Tension and Unsolicited Opinions
The friction between Johar and Khan wasn't limited to this single event. Johar admitted that Saroj Khan clearly disliked him, a sentiment he attributed to his own youthful exuberance and tendency to offer unsolicited advice. He recalled another instance during the filming of "Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam," where he had outfitted Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in dungarees for a montage shot.
Saroj Khan's reaction was sharp: "Yeh baba baby banke kyun aaye hain?" (Why have they come dressed like babies?). Johar's decision to answer back only heightened the tension, with Khan visibly horrified by his audacity. Aditya Chopra would often shoot Johar warning looks, silently questioning why he kept speaking out of turn.
Reflections on a Formative Experience
Looking back, Johar recognizes that his inexperience and eagerness contributed to the difficult dynamic. "I really didn't know better back then," he admitted, laughing at the memory of his younger self. The experience, while traumatic, undoubtedly shaped his understanding of film set hierarchies and professional boundaries.
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the high-pressure environment of classic Bollywood productions, where perfectionism often clashed with practical limitations. It highlights how even celebrated figures like Karan Johar endured challenging apprenticeships under formidable mentors like Saroj Khan, whose demanding nature was matched only by her creative genius.
