Karan Johar recently reflected on the evolution of his production house, Dharma Productions, tracing its journey from the early days of ‘Dostana’ in 1980 to the groundbreaking success of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ (KKHH) in 1998. Nearly 25 years after KKHH became a landmark film in Bollywood, Karan shared his vision for a contemporary remake of the iconic romance, revealing a fresh lineup of actors he would choose today. Interestingly, some of Bollywood’s biggest stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Kiara Advani were notably absent from his list.
During a candid conversation with Sania Mirza on Myntra’s Glam Stream, Karan discussed the growth of Dharma Productions and its impact on the film industry, teasing plans for new projects as well as a possible KKHH reinterpretation. For such a remake, he suggested casting Alia Bhatt in the role of Anjali, Ranveer Singh as Rahul, and Ananya Panday as Tina. He also mentioned that the character of Tina might be portrayed by either Janhvi Kapoor or Sara Ali Khan, with a playful nod to the new generation of star kids, whom he affectionately dubbed “younger nepo babies.”
Addressing the ever-present debate on nepotism in Bollywood, Karan Johar was clear about his stance. He stated firmly that he has never hired anyone on the request of their parents, despite knowing their famous family backgrounds. “I know they are nepo babies. I’ve seen them grow up in front of me. But none of their parents have ever called me. I have always been the one to call,” he revealed. He also pointed out that some actors have declined his offers, emphasizing that his decisions are based on merit and professional assessment rather than pressure from family connections.
Reflecting on the trajectory of Dharma Productions, Karan highlighted key milestones. The studio’s early years were a mix of trials and errors, with movies like ‘Duniya’ and ‘Agneepath’ initially struggling. However, the monumental success of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ — starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji — revived the banner and paved the way for future blockbusters such as ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.’ This success established Dharma Productions as a dominant force in Bollywood, with a current valuation estimated at ₹2,000 crore.
Despite Karan not having directed any of the new-generation actors in significant roles yet, several of these young stars have appeared in cameo sequences under his direction. Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sara Ali Khan featured briefly in his recent film ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ during the song ‘Heart Throb,’ providing fans a glimpse of what a modern-day Kuch Kuch Hota Hai might look like with fresh faces embodying these beloved characters.
Looking ahead, Karan Johar is preparing a diverse slate of cinematic ventures under the Dharma Productions banner. These upcoming projects are indicative of his intent to explore new genres and continue nurturing fresh talent within the industry. Among these is ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri,’ a romantic drama starring Kartik Aaryan alongside Ananya Panday, which is slated for release in early 2026. Additionally, Karan is producing an ambitious fantasy-comedy titled ‘Naagzilla,’ featuring Kartik Aaryan in the lead role. This film is scheduled to reach audiences in August 2026, signaling an exciting new direction for the production house.
Karan Johar’s openness to reinventing classics while embracing emerging talent shows his dedication to keeping Bollywood relevant and dynamic. His candid remarks about nepotism, careful casting choices, and commitment to innovative projects reflect a nuanced understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape, where tradition meets modernity.
