I can’t think about directing my next: Karan Johar

Karan Johar’s Agneepath remake is homage to his late father. Karan speaks about Koffee With Karan, Lift Kara De and his upcoming movies as director and producer.

I wanted to pay a tribute to my dad (late producer Yash Johar). Agneepath was one of his best projects and a landmark for our company, Dharma Productions. Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) won a National Award for his performance in the film. That makes it even more special as homage for dad,” says producer-director-fashion designer Karan Johar, who is currently anchoring his celebrity chat show, Koffee With Karan 3, on Star World.

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So, why didn’t he direct it himself? “I think Karan (director-scriptwriter Karan Malhotra) has done a fabulous job of the script. He was one of my most trusted assistants. If a star like Hrithik Roshan accepted the film in one hearing, it just speaks loud and clear on Karan’s talent,” argues Johar, who feels that Malhotra may prove to be a better anchor for the film than he could be. “I’m going to be involved with the project but only in the capacity of a producer and never an intruder.”

Karan Johar

Given that Vijay Dinanath Chauhan proved to be a milestone in Amitabh Bachchan’s life, did the filmmaker approach him for creative inputs on the film? "I didn’t," states Johar. "He knows about the remake though. I’m hoping he’ll be happy with what he eventually sees on screen. Contrary to popular belief, neither he nor Abhishek is upset with Hrithik being cast in the role. Our relationship goes beyond all this. I adore him, respect him and look up to him."

There’s also talk that the filmmaker has already started working on the subject of his next film as a director. “I can’t even think about directing my next right now. Right now, I’m busy with my hobby called Koffee With Karan,” laughs Johar. “Once the show wraps up and I’m done with anchoring award shows and designing for my collection, I’ll start working on my next film, sometime mid of next year.”