KARAN JOHAR
Exclusive Chat On K3G

Karan Johar was no newcomer to Bollywood even during the making of his first film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Son of veteran film producer Yash Johar, this protégé of cinema went on to carve a niche for himself in Bollywood history when Kuch Kuch Hota Hai struck gold at the box office besides sweeping most award ceremonies during the year of its release.

Not one to sit down and let success saddle his mind, the promising young director began plotting out his next mega venture. With the advent of the new millennium he busied himself with the script and pre production of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham besides roping in one of the most astounding ensemble casts in recent Hindi film annals. Having completed the shooting of the film, Karan Johar is gearing up to set the nation afire with his brand new presentation, the promos of which are already creating ripples in every television set across the country.

We caught up with the dynamic director to find out more about the latest chunk of his heart and everything else that makes him tick.

Did you always dream of becoming a director?
I don't know if I always wanted to become a director. But yes, I was exposed to so much movie-making growing up that it wasn't unnatural for me to consider directing as a professional option. My father is a producer. I've been around long enough to know how this business works. Besides I was a big movie buff. I'd watch tons of Hindi films as a kid.

When did the desire to direct actually precipitate?
I had assisted my father during the making of Duplicate. I had also worked with Mr Yash Chopra and Adi (Aditya Chopra) when he directed Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. It was around that time when I felt confident enough to explore the medium of cinema on my own terms.

How was Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham born?
Well, that happened soon after Kuch Kuch Hota Hai hit cinemas across the country. I had always toyed with the idea of making a film that explored relationships and family values. I think it's a concept that is so relevant to our society. We come from a country that believes in close knit families and preserving the bond between members of a family. I thought it was time I took the plunge in that direction and created a piece that would enjoy universal appeal without losing its essence. I guess that's where Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was born.

Are you deliberately targeting a more Indian audience?
As I said earlier, some concepts have a universal appeal. I don't make movies to cater to target audiences. Anyone who has ever been a mother, a father or a sibling will be able to associate with the theme of the movie. It doesn't matter what race or nationality they belong to.

Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are playing brothers in the film.
That is correct. Mr Bachchan plays the father of the family with two sons played by Shah Rukh and Hrithik. Jaya Bachchan plays the mother while Kajol and Kareena are the female leads for the two men respectively. It's about a patriarch who keeps his family together with a bunch of values that he has inculcated in his sons. It then moves towards the dynamic between the main characters and their inter personal relationships.

Is there any message that you are trying to put forth with the film?
Not a specific message as much as I'm trying to strike a chord with the viewers of the film. I want them to be able to identify with my characters and travel with them in the journey that we've created together. It's important that they are able to perceive them as more than just people flitting across the movie screen looking really pretty. It's also about learning to express emotions that we would otherwise withhold. I firmly believe that if you genuinely love someone, you never hide it. In fact you wear it with pride.

Was it hard for you to juggle a star cast full of heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan?
No, it wasn't hard at all, primarily because all three actors are thorough professionals. They knew how to do their jobs and do them exceedingly well with absolutely no hassles. I've been asked this question often and I only have to say that this was the most professional and pleasant working experience I've ever had. All of them are just fabulous people.

The film has generated some skyrocketing expectations.
That is true. But our marketing has been designed to do that. So I can't complain. I have to admit I am nervous though. I was a rank newcomer when Kuch Kuch Hota Hai released. I'm really grateful for its success, but I'm equally worried about having to live up to the kind of expectations that my earlier success has generated.

Rumour has it that Abhishek Bachchan is to do a special appearance in the film.
Let me squelch all those rumours right away. Sorry, Abhishek Bachchan isn't going to be in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Why are you repeating Shah Rukh Khan in the film?
Simply because he is such a tremendous actor. In fact his son Aryaan is also making his first screen appearance in the film. Shah Rukh and I go back a long way. We are extremely close friends and I'm very fond of his family and kids. Besides we have a great working relationship. We understand each other. It makes working so much easier.

Are there any names in the industry you would like to emulate as far as filmmaking is concerned?
I don't think I would like to emulate anyone. Every filmmaker has his or her individual style, which is what makes the process so much more distinctive. But yes, I think Yash Uncle and Mr. Raj Kapoor are directors who few can stand up to. I think they redefined the way I looked at movies. Among my contemporaries, Sooraj Barjatya is exceptional. The man really knows how to give his audiences their money's worth. His work is just spectacular.

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