Karan Johar addresses the nepotism controversy:
Karan Johar, the celebrated Bollywood filmmaker known for his candor and mentorship of newcomers in the industry, has chosen to speak out about the longstanding allegations of nepotism that have surrounded him over the years.
Unapologetic stance
In a candid chat with Mid-day, Karan Johar, who is currently reveling in the success of his latest release, "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," made it clear that he has no intention of issuing an apology.
He boldly stated, "I haven't, and I will not apologize for anything. I will choose who I feel is right. If that person happens to be related to somebody in the industry, then so be it."
Alia Bhatt: His "First Child"
During the interview, Karan Johar opened up about his close bond with actress Alia Bhatt, whom he introduced to Bollywood. He expressed the depth of his affection, saying, "Alia is like my first child. I will always love her in public and in person, and she will always be part of my life."
Rising above negativity:
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Johar also addressed the criticism he has faced, emphasizing that negativity affects those who spread it rather than him. He asserted, "All the names you want—eventually, that negativity is eating that person up, not me. I'm rising above; I've taken the high road.
When you take the high road in life, you cannot change the way of your being because of what people say.
Leveraging opportunities:
Defending his unapologetic stance on casting industry insiders, Johar explained, "Maybe I've seen something; maybe I've had access to that something; why should I not leverage it?"
The Kangana Ranaut factor:
Kangana Ranaut, a prominent Bollywood actress, has frequently criticized Karan Johar for promoting insiders over outsiders, coining him as the 'flag-bearer of nepotism.' This feud between them began when Kangana appeared on Karan Johar's chat show, "Koffee With Karan."
As the debate surrounding nepotism in Bollywood continues to simmer, Karan Johar's candid revelation about his perspective adds another layer to the ongoing discourse in the film industry.