No Shah Rukh Khan in buddy KJo’s next film

Filmmaker launches first look of Student Of The Year today, says SRK not part of it

Till date, Karan Johar has directed four films. And apart from the fact that all of them have been major hits, they have another thing in common — his close friend Shah Rukh Khan has starred in all of them. But Karan’s fifth directorial film, the upcoming Student Of The Year (SOTY), will not feature SRK at all. Not even in a cameo.

“Yes, Shah Rukh won’t be making an appearance.

He is playing a bigger role — that of a co-producer. What more (involvement) could I have asked (him) for? It’s a humungous support for me to have Shah Rukh around,” says Karan, who launches the first look of SOTY today in the city.

Ask Karan about SRK’s level of involvement, and he says: “I have always been hugely dependant on his experience and advice. For me, the moral support is also vital because you are very vulnerable during the process. Plus, Gauri (Khan) has worked as the producer (on SOTY).”

Karan’s “lucky charm” Kajol, will however, be doing a dance number in the film that stars newcomers Alia Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter), Varun Dhawan (David Dhawan’s son) and Siddharth Malhotra.

“I’m nervous as well as excited (about the first look). I’m happy to have spotted and nurtured talents like Alia, Varun and Siddharth. Going ahead, I will be proud of their individual achievements in the film industry,” says Karan. He has just returned to the city after attending the London Olympics opening ceremony, about which he says, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can confidently state that it was purely a filmmaker’s show.”