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SRK is a great support to me: Karan
He says he can't think of making films without SRK, writes Diganta Guha.
Filmmaker Karan Johar says he is proud of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna because of the debate it led to. With two productions in the pipeline, his chat show set to begin and already writing his next film, Karan is busy.
In Kolkata on Tuesday (he was here during Shahrukh’s birthday a decade back and King Khan’s birthday was just two days away when he was here this time around) to receive the Outstanding Young Achiever’s Award from the Young Leaders Forum of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Karan poured his heart out to HT City.
How does it feel to be a youth icon?
I enjoy being young. It’s a great feeling to get the young achievers’ award. The word youth being attached to me makes me happy though my hair is greying. But that’s hereditary. People call you an icon. A youth icon is not something that I wanted to be. My policy — be yourself, follow your heart and dream. The only way you can be an icon is by doing things you are convinced of. Everybody told me to do different things-- my parents had a different career option for me. I just knew that I wanted to make movies. I always say that let your child follow his heart. Regret is the worst emotion.
You have tried your hand at plenty — acting, direction, beauty pageant judge, anchor, fashion designer, anchor... What next?
I have done everything. I do things that I enjoy. When I was young I had various aspirations and one of them was to be a fashion designer. I also thought I would be a TV host, and then I wanted to enter the world of marketing and advertisement. Films were an option. I am one of those fortunate ones who achieve their dreams. Sometimes I do clothes on the side for Shah Rukh and I am endorsing products.
It’s one life and one should do everything that makes you happy. I am comfortable in front of the camera. Koffee with Karan is like a hobby for me. I am glad that it is watched by so many. It makes me happy because it is not something that comes out of effort. But films will always remain my passion. I am loving my life. I have a platform where I can do everything. Who knows what next? I may fly a plane.
Tell us something about the Airtel ad you did with Shahrukh Khan.
That was great. I was very nervous with the concept of directing an ad — I make three-hour long films. To do something in 30 seconds gave me cold feet. Every time Shahrukh came with an ad, I would laugh, but this time he said it was for Airtel and it would be a very small ad. That was for Airtel’s overseas launch and produced by Shahrukh himself. I enjoyed it and it was fun. And Shahrukh was there —I can do anything for him. And Shahrukh is just the way he is in a film — the same level of passion and sincerity.
Are you suffering from the remake fever?
Never say never. No I don’t think so. I am a fan of Indian cinema. I would be too scared to remake a film that I have loved because I may not be able to match the original. Well remakes are not a new phenomenon in Hollywood. In India we have had unofficial remakes. Kudos to Farhan Akhtar to have pulled Don off the way he did.
And you are not keeping us waiting for your next?
I am thinking. Everyday is a new idea. And I wake up the next morning with another idea. I am thinking about what to make. This is a phase every filmmaker goes through when he is in between films because there are so many options in your head and you don’t know what to do.
What about expectations?
You combat fear. If you worry about people’s expectations, that can tamper with your creativity. Expectations are an acknowledgement of your past work. If I let that bog me down, it would come in my way. It’s wonderful that people expect from me. It’s also important to do what you want to do. Eventually a film is a product of your mind and your mind should not be clouded by anything else but your own conviction. A filmmaker stands on two important factors — courage and conviction.
Can you ever make a film without Shahrukh?
It is difficult for me to say that now. I can’t think of doing an ad without Shahrukh, so leave alone a film. He is not only one of the best actors we have now, he is a superb human being. He is a great support to me. I do my best work when he is on my set. If anything is going wrong I know Shahrukh will take care of it. He is like a brother figure on the set.
