.

With My Name is Khan almost in theatres, the Internet has been inundated by promos, appearances, interviews, etc, etc of Karan's latest movie. While it' been heaven every which way you look for all Shah Rukh fangirls out there, it's been almost more interesting for me to watch Karan Johar in all of this. I have come to the conclusion that Karan, the cheeky monkey that he is, could possibly be the best friend any girl could ask for (and I'm sure Kajol agrees). Some love his movies, some hate them, I firmly land in the former category without any apologies, and KJo's films represent a good portion of what I love about Hindi cinema. While I get ready to take in his latest offering I thought I'd take a look at the cinematic journey that put our Karan where he is today.

Born May 25, 1972 to Hiroo and Yash Johar, film producer and founder of Dharma Productions, Karan made his entry into Hindi film as an assistant to Aditya Chopra in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge where he also had a small role playing Raj's best friend Robby. He has always maintained that he thought he would land firmly in the field of design, either fashion or interior, so it's interesting to learn that he's often responsible for choosing Shah's costumes. Of his own admission, Karan doesn't think that acting is his forte, though he continues to be involved in front of the camera as talk show host and has done several cameos as himself.


Karan debuted as a director for what is one of my favorite Hindi movies, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which went on to win numerous awards including Lux Cee Awards, Sansui Viewers' Choice Awards, Aashirwad Awards among others. KKHH, at the time, was only the second film to win the 4 major Filmfare awards (best movie, best director, best actor and best actress). It was also the highest grossing film of the year.


Love triangles are a staple of romantic comedies, but what I find intriguing is that KKHH is the only movie I think I've seen where both of the girls win the boy (and not in a three-way sort of way). While I could scream at Rahul for not seeing Anjali's potential in college, at least she ends up getting her happy ending after all (and thank god because the alternative was unbearable!). Interestingly enough, the role of Tina was offered to several actresses before it reached Rani, including Twinkle Khanna, Tabu, Shilpa Shetty, Aishwarya, Karisma Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar and Raveena Tandon. Also, the role that went to Salman was first offered to Saif Ali Khan. Bollyviewer from Old is Gold had an interesting post at her blog that speculated on Anjali's missing years. Check it out - it's good fun!

One of my fav songs from the film:



On the top of a lot of people's "let's convert 'em" list is Karan's second film,
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham in 2001. I have to admit that I've actually only seen this film once in it's entirety, though I've probably watched the songs on youtube over and over again. While some will argue that the film is manipulative and somewhat ridiculous in spots, I think it is the quintessential famly drama despite it's flaws. Not only does Karan give us numerous heart wrenching emotional moments, but the film also houses the very best acting, stunning choreography (by my absolutely favorite Farah Khan), outstanding music and opulent sets all wrapped up in a very contemporary package. Definitely K3G showed that Karan was not just a one hit wonder and the film went on to win numerous awards.

Shake your tail feather, Amitabh!



2006 saw Karan bring Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna to the big screen in a film that tackles many subjects, the most visible being infidelity. This movie, while not a favorite of many, will probably always be one of my favorites, as it was the first Bollywood movie I ever saw. After seeing close to 100 films, I have to applaud Karan for taking such a large risk as far as his subject matter goes. While the film didn't do well in India, it did manage to acquire the title "highest grossing overseas film of all time." Though he's not the first to make a movie based on sensitive material, I think he does it with maturity. Each of his characters are flawed, giving the film a sense of realism, but he manages to give the audience a good balance of serious and comical moments (one of my fav scenes is the one of the mattress store). Plus I love the music in KANK and I was so happy to finally get the soundtrack just the other day.



I have to add that one of the things I love about Karan's films is how he is able to cast Amitabh Bachchan in roles that allows us to see him not just as the stern family figure but gives him the opportunity to let his hair down. His Sexy Sam role in KANK is very charming and one of the highlights of the film.

Besides directing, Karan, through Dharma Productions, the company he inherited from his father, has written and produced several films. Though I haven't seen them all, some of my favorites include Duplicate, Dostana, Wake Up Sid and my #1 favorite movie Kal No Naa Ho. Not only did he host a fav talk show of mine, Koffee With Karan, but he made his television come back in January 2010 with the fan-centric show, Lift Kara De. Where do I sign up for that one Karan? In 2006 he became the first Indian filmmaker to be a jury member in the Miss World competition, in Warsaw, Poland (a gig I'm sure he was ecstatic to be a part of) and he was honored in 2007 when he was chosen as one of 250 Global Young Leaders by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum 2006. Most recently he ventured into the world of fashion with a show during India's Couture Week last year. Beware the Meghna Mathur syndrome Karan, beware!


Of course, the release of My Name Is Khan marks Karan's 5th directorial venture and the public waits with baited breath for what many anticipate will be his best and most successful movie to date. With the magic trio together again, I don't doubt this could mark a milestone in each of their careers.



Love him or hate him, Karan's sure to be around for many many years to come!