Karan Johar brings debutant directors in the limelight

Karan Johar

Most producers prefer roping in experienced directors instead of newcomers. Well, that’s just what separates the heir to Dharma Productions, Karan Johar from the rest! Having successfully directed four movies over the last decade, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998, followed by Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), My Name Is Khan (2010) and Student of the Year (2012), Karan Johar has co-directed and produced films for several first-time directors. Just last year, Karan Johar produced the film Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, marking the directorial debut of Shakun Batra. Karan has also launched Karan Malhotra with the film Agneepath, a retelling of the original released in 1990.

Till date, Karan Johar has produced nine films that were directed by first-time directors. For Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), a romantic drama film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta and Jaya Bachchan, he roped in Nikhil Advani. Karan Johar has introduced Tarun Mansukhani with Dostana (2008). For the film Wake Up Sid (2009), Dharma Productions put debutant director Ayan Mukerji’s talents to play.

And that’s not all. Karan Johar has also produced films for Punit Malhotra (I Hate Luv Storys), Renzil D’Slive (Kurbaan), and his assistant director Siddharth Malhotra (We Are Family). Now, Karan has joined hands with Anurag Kashyap for an upcoming film titled Hasee Toh Phasee. The film will be directed by Vinil Mathew who has shown his knack for direction with ad films for a coffee brand. The Dharma Productions banner will also unveil yet another film by a new director, Akshay Roy, who will call the shots for the upcoming Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.