Karan Johar

Karan Johar—born Rahul Kumar Johar on 25 May 1972 in India—is a filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, actor, and television personality who shaped Hindi cinema's romantic and family drama landscape. Son of producer Yash Johar, he made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama *Kuch Kuch Hota Hai* (1998), which won him the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, the Filmfare Award for Best Director, and the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay. His next two films—the family drama *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham* (2001) and the musical romantic drama *Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna* (2006)—became major commercial successes in both domestic and overseas markets, cementing his signature style. The social drama *My Name Is Khan* (2010) earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Director. As a producer, Johar won Filmfare Awards for Best Film for the spy thriller *Raazi* (2018) and the biopic *Shershaah* (2021); the latter also earned him the National Film Award – Special Jury Mention. His production of the fantasy film *Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva* (2022) won the inaugural National Film Award for Best Film in AVGC. He returned to directing with *Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani* (2023), which earned another National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Most recently, he produced the drama *Homebound* (2025), which was chosen as India's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards and was subsequently shortlisted. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2020. As a screenwriter and actor, Johar brings multi-disciplinary expertise to Hindi cinema. A Gemini born under Life Path 4, his career reflects the sign's versatility and the numerological drive toward building lasting structures—Dharma Productions has launched the careers of several successful actors and filmmakers. Beyond filmmaking, Johar has hosted the television talk show *Koffee with Karan* since 2004, the dating show *What the Love!*, the radio show *Calling Karan*, and appeared as a judge on competition reality shows *Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa* and *India's Got Talent*.