Karan Kumar Johar born Rahul Kumar Johar on May 25, 1972 often known by his nickname KJo, is a prominent Indian film director, producer, and television personality. He is best known for his work in Hindi cinema and has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous successful actors and filmmakers under his production company, Dharma Productions. A recipient of several prestigious awards, including two National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards, Johar was also honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2020. Johar, the son of renowned producer Yash Johar, made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), which earned 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 subsequent films, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), were major box-office successes both in India and internationally. Johar’s 2010 social drama My Name Is Khan also achieved critical acclaim and earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Director. As a producer, Johar has had a major impact with films like the spy thriller Raazi (2018) and the biopic Shershaah (2021), both of which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Film, with Shershaah also earning him a National Film Award for Special Jury Mention as a producer.
Karan Johar Biography 2025
In addition to filmmaking, Johar has ventured into various aspects of the entertainment industry. He has hosted the popular television talk show Koffee with Karan since 2004, as well as the dating show What the Love! and the radio show Calling Karan. He has also appeared as a judge on reality competition shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and India’s Got Talent. In 2020, following the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, a debate around nepotism in Bollywood gained momentum, with Johar being one of the most prominent figures targeted for allegedly promoting nepotism by favoring star children in his films. Kangana Ranaut was one of the first to accuse Johar of supporting nepotism on Koffee with Karan. Despite the backlash, many in the industry defended Johar, with a complaint filed against him and others for allegedly contributing to Rajput’s death. Johar, in response, clarified that his production house had introduced 21 debut directors, most of whom were not from the industry, and expressed that actors from film families should not be discredited for their talents.
WhatsApp Channel Join Button
Karan Johar Biography Details
Born
Rahul Kumar Johar
25 May 1972 (age 52)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Alma mater
H.R. College of Commerce
Occupations
Film director
producer
television presenter
Years active
1989–present
Organization
Dharma Productions
Children
2
Father
Yash Johar
Relatives
Chopra-Johar family
Awards
Full list
Honours
Padma Shri (2020)
Karan Johar Biography Early Life
Karan Johar was born in Mumbai, India, to a Punjabi father, Yash Johar, and a Sindhi mother, Hiroo Johar. He attended Green Lawns High School and later pursued his studies at H.R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. In his autobiography, An Unsuitable Boy, Johar shared that he failed to secure admission to the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun due to scoring a zero in mathematics. His early influences in filmmaking came from iconic figures such as Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra, and Sooraj Barjatya, who shaped his love for commercial Indian cinema. Johar began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, making his debut in the 1989 Doordarshan serial Indradhanush. He was known for initially following numerology trends in naming his films, but after watching the 2006 film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, which critiqued numerology, Johar decided to abandon this practice. In 2017, Johar became a father to twins (a boy and a girl) through surrogacy. He named his son Yash after his father, and his daughter Roohi, which is derived by rearranging his mother’s name, Hiroo.
Personal Information
Personal Information
Details
Full Name
Karan Dharma Kama Johar
Real Name(s)
Rahul Kumar Johar, Karan Kumar Johar
Nickname
KJo
Profession(s)
Director, Producer, Writer, TV Host
Date of Birth
May 25, 1972
Age (as of 2025)
52 Years
Birthplace
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Zodiac sign
Gemini
Nationality
Indian
Hometown
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Religion
Hinduism
Food Habit
Non-Vegetarian
Signature
Karan Johar’s Signature
Physical Stats
Physical Stats
Details
Height
5′ 10″ (178 cm)
Eye Colour
Dark Brown
Hair Colour
Black
Education and Early Life
Education & Early Life
Details
School
Greenlawns High School, Mumbai
College/University
H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai
Educational Qualification
M. A. in French
Career Highlights
Career
Details
Directorial Debut
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Acting Debut
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Producer Debut
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
TV Debut
Indradhanush (1989)
Notable Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors
Details
National Film Award 1999
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
National Film Award 2023
Special Jury Award for Shershaah
Filmfare Awards 1999
Best Director and Best Screenplay for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
IIFA Awards 2001
Best Costume Designer for Mohabbatein
Controversies
Controversy
Details
Twitter Battle with RGV
Disagreement after the release of Student of the Year in 2012
AIB Roast Incident
FIR lodged against Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor (2015)
Ajay Devgan Dispute
Allegations regarding biased reviews by KRK in favor of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Pakistani Actors Dispute
Supported Pakistani actors during the Uri attack controversy (2016)
Nepotism Controversy
Criticized after Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide (2020)
Family and Relationships
Family Details
Details
Parents
Father: Late Yash Johar (Producer), Mother: Hiroo Johar
Saint Emilion (Wine), Dom Perignon (Pink Champagne)
Favorite Fashion Brand
Givenchy
Favorite Perfume
Creed
Style and Lifestyle
Style and Lifestyle
Details
Car Collection
Jaguar XF
Fashion Sense
High-end and stylish, favoring Givenchy
Financial Information
Financial Information
Details
Salary (Approx.)
100 Crore +
Net Worth (Approx.)
Rs 1,400 crore.
Social Media and Public Image
Social Media
Details
Twitter
Active
Instagram
Active
Public Image
Candid and often involved in controversies
Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and Interests
Details
Collecting Old Things
Passion for antiques
Travel
Enjoys frequent trips to New York and other international destinations
Films Directed and Produced
Films Directed and Produced
Details
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Directed
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Directed
My Name Is Khan (2010)
Directed
Raazi (2018)
Produced
Shershaah (2021)
Produced
Awards and Recognitions
Awards
Details
1999 Filmfare Best Director
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
2023 National Film Award
Special Jury Award for Shershaah
Controversial Public Incidents
Incident
Details
AIB Roast Incident
2015 controversy
Nepotism Debate
Post Sushant Singh Rajput’s death
Drug Party Allegation
2020 drug row investigation
Karan Johar Net Worth
Karan Johar has a net worth of Rs 1,400 crore.
Karan Johar Summary
Karan Johar has solidified his position as one of India’s most influential filmmakers and television personalities. Despite being at the center of several controversies, his contributions to the Indian entertainment industry are undeniable, from directing blockbuster films to hosting one of the most popular talk shows in the country. His personal and professional journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of a man who has become synonymous with Bollywood’s glitz and glamour.