Filmmaker Karan Johar has opened up about his parenting journey and the challenges of raising children under constant public scrutiny. In a heartfelt conversation with tennis star Sania Mirza on her show Serving It Up With Sania, Karan revealed that he has consciously toned down his flamboyant fashion choices to ensure his twins, Yash and Roohi, don’t face unnecessary criticism or bullying at school.
‘I hope they won’t be embarrassed by me’
Speaking about his children’s growing access to the internet, Karan admitted that he fears how they will react when they eventually come across his older videos and public appearances.
“Their iPad and screen time are limited, and yet things are popping up,” he shared. “What’s really scary about me is that I might have done things as a form of expression. I’ve danced on Jaya Prada’s steps to a song on Dafli Wale, not on Rishi Kapoor’s steps.”
The filmmaker added that he often worries about how his kids might perceive such moments.
“I’m worried they’ll go online and find footage that may embarrass them, and I hope they aren’t,” he said.
‘I literally changed the clothes I wear’
Karan also revealed that remarks made at his children’s school made him reconsider his maximalist fashion sense.
“Now, because of things that are being said at school, I literally changed the clothes I wear,” he told Sania. “I’m adapting so they don’t have to be afraid of what people at school might say if I’m wearing a sequin jacket.”
While he has always been known for bold fashion choices, the director said parenthood changes one’s priorities.
“There are many people who say, ‘be who you are.’ But you’re always worried as a parent,” he added.
Wants his children to grow up inclusive and accepting
Despite adapting his style for his kids’ comfort, Karan emphasized that he does not intend to change who he is as a person. Instead, he hopes Yash and Roohi grow up to embrace differences in people, including their father’s personality and expression.
Karan Johar, who shares a close bond with his mother Hiroo Johar, welcomed his twins via surrogacy in 2017. He most recently directed the 2023 romantic drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.
