IFFM Guests

Karan Johar

Karan Johar is a visionary storyteller that has been reshaping contemporary Indian cinema since the 90s. With a unique flair for larger-than-life productions, he effortlessly captures the audience's hearts. Johar made his directorial debut with the blockbuster "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998), which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Director. The film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, became an iconic romance and set the tone for his illustrious career. The recipient of several accolades, including two National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards, he has been honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, by the Government of India in 2020.

From heartwarming family dramas like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001) and "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006) to thought-provoking works like "My Name Is Khan" (2010) and romantic dramas "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" (2016), and most recently "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani" (2023) each creation garners critical acclaim and commercial success, captivating audiences worldwide. Johar's ability to blend traditional Indian values with contemporary issues became his hallmark. As the owner of Dharma Productions, he has produced numerous diverse, successful films that have broken box-office records, transcended borders, and resonated with audiences worldwide such as "Dostana" (2008), "Kapoor and Sons" (2016), "Raazi" (2018), "Brahmastra" (2020) and many more. Two of his productions, "Raazi" (2018) and the biopic "Shershaah" (2021), won him the Filmfare Award for Best Film, with the latter also earning him the National Film Award - Special Jury Award (as producer).

Celebrated for portraying complex emotions and societal issues with unmatched finesse, Karan leaves an indelible mark on Bollywood.