Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions steps away from the conventional

"Initially, Dharma was associated with good-looking cinema. That was our USP. But now, with the kind of films we have been doing — from action to rom-coms to even socially relevant films — versatility is what defines us best today," articulated Karan, one of India’s most versatile filmmakers who has been experimenting with the films he has been dishing out recently.

Karan Johar has ruled the year 2012 with his hit releases Agneepath, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and Student of the Year. While the first two films were produced by Karan’s production house, the film Student of the Year was also directed by him and produced jointly by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment.
Speaking about the films released by his banner this year, Karan said, "While it was special for me to begin the year with a remake of my father's film, Agneepath, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu broke the myth about rom-coms having a happy ending. It was bitter-sweet and unusual. With Student of the Year, we launched three fresh faces for the first time. The idea is to launch many more films and expand our base." His newest film is a trend-breaker of sorts for the director and is his fifth directorial venture. Student of the Year is the first film without Karan’s lucky mascot and good friend, Shah Rukh Khan, in the lead. This is also the first time Karan has relied completely on a cast of newcomers playing the lead.

In the near future, Karan will release a bunch of films including the Siddharth Malhotra-starrer Hasee Toh Phasee and the coming-of-age film Gippi.

“I was born with a desire to be in the limelight,” says filmmaker Karan Johar

Karan Johar has made his mark in B-town with the films he has directed and produced. A filmmaker known for loving the limelight and bringing to the Indian audiences glamorous cinema, Karan Johar has brought about a change in Bollywood with his one-of-a-kind movie-making style. The head of Dharma Productions, Karan continues to spearhead his way to success, giving us one blockbuster after another.

“I was born with a desire to be in the limelight. I loved fashion as a child, clothes that didn’t fit me, of course, you know, were things that I looked at a lot, loved cinema, I watched a film every day, I never thought I would be a filmmaker though. I just love the world, the drama in the entertainment world and I wanted to so be a part of it,” says Karan Johar, the son of the late filmmaker, Yash Johar. Karan began his stint in Bollywood with his first directorial venture, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan. After the film’s success, Karan then went on to produce and direct many more.

“I have no problem in facing the paparazzi. I have no problem in facing the flashbulbs on a red carpet, I love it. It’s what I live for, it’s what I do, I could speak to a crowd of a 1000 people and feel very satisfied at the end of it. I like applause. It’s all the things I like, so why run away from these things if you really like it, who are we trying to fool and who are we trying to lie to,” adds Karan, speaking about his love for the work he does and the recognition he receives.

Karan Johar’s latest film, Student of the Year, hit cinema screens on the 19th of October, 2012, and was crowned a blockbuster. The filmmaker is currently producing films that will show up later this year.