Filmmaker Karan Johar marked Guru Purnima with a heartfelt tribute to Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra, crediting the two Bollywood icons for shaping his filmmaking journey and inspiring him to become a storyteller.
Taking to Instagram, Karan shared a collage of memorable pictures with Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra, along with an emotional note reflecting on two life-changing conversations that transformed his career.
Karan recalled that years ago, as he was preparing to leave for higher studies, Aditya Chopra convinced him to stay back and work as an assistant director on Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Aditya reportedly told him that he was meant to become a filmmaker and that ignoring his passion would be a mistake.
Inspired by those words, Karan approached his father, late producer Yash Johar, and requested one year to pursue filmmaking. While Yash Johar supported his decision, he reminded his son that true direction required passion for storytelling—not just following instructions on a film set.
Karan also fondly remembered a promise made by Shah Rukh Khan, who assured him he would star in his directorial debut. The superstar stood by his word, leading Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), a film that became one of Bollywood’s most iconic romantic dramas.
Expressing his gratitude, Karan wrote that every success, failure, strength, and lesson in his career has been possible because of Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra.
He concluded his tribute by thanking every mentor who has selflessly supported and inspired the next generation of storytellers, wishing everyone a Happy Guru Purnima.