Filmmaker Karan Johar recently sparked widespread discussion after social media users noticed that he had unfollowed several prominent Bollywood celebrities on Instagram, including Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday, Kartik Aaryan and Manish Malhotra.
The unexpected move quickly became a talking point online, leading to speculation about possible fallout with friends and industry colleagues. However, Karan has now addressed the matter and clarified the reason behind his decision.
Karan Johar Calls It a ‘Digital Detox’
Responding to the growing buzz, Karan Johar took to Instagram Stories to explain that the unfollowing spree was not personal but part of a conscious effort to spend less time on social media.
According to the filmmaker, he is attempting a “digital detox” and wants to reduce the amount of time and energy he spends scrolling through Instagram.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleIn his statement, Karan wrote that the move was aimed at cutting down on excessive social media usage and should not be interpreted as a sign of conflict with anyone.
His message also suggested amusement at the attention the decision received, describing the development as far less significant than it had been portrayed online.
Several Bollywood Stars Were Unfollowed
Fans observed that Karan had unfollowed a number of actors and industry figures with whom he shares long-standing professional and personal relationships.
The list reportedly included:
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Alia Bhatt
- Kareena Kapoor Khan
- Ananya Panday
- Varun Dhawan
- Sidharth Malhotra
- Malaika Arora
- Kartik Aaryan
- Manish Malhotra
The move generated curiosity because several of these personalities have worked closely with Karan and Dharma Productions over the years.
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Some Accounts Remain on His Following List
While many celebrities were removed from his following list, Karan continues to follow a limited number of accounts.
Among those reportedly still being followed are:
- Priyanka Chopra
- Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta
- Businessman Adar Poonawalla
The selective nature of the remaining follows also fueled discussion among social media users.
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Karan Johar’s Previous Social Media Exit
This is not the first time Karan Johar has chosen to step back from social media platforms.
In 2022, he exited X (formerly Twitter), stating that he wanted to make room for more positive energy in his life.
The filmmaker has often spoken about the pressures and negativity associated with social media, particularly during periods of intense public scrutiny.
Addressing Online Trolling
Over the years, Karan Johar has been among the most discussed and debated personalities in Bollywood.
He has frequently faced criticism online, particularly following conversations around nepotism in the film industry.
In previous interviews, Karan has spoken candidly about the emotional impact of trolling, revealing that some personal attacks affected him deeply, especially comments involving his family and children.
Despite the criticism, he has continued to maintain an active presence across social media platforms while occasionally advocating for healthier digital habits.
A Personal Reset, Not a Personal Rift
With his clarification now public, Karan Johar’s Instagram cleanup appears to be less about relationships and more about managing screen time and digital consumption.
The filmmaker’s explanation suggests that the mass unfollowing was part of a broader effort to disconnect from constant online engagement rather than a reflection of changes in his friendships or professional associations.
