Filmmaker Karan Johar on Wednesday said he was proud to be the son of "the most solid, soulful and selfless man" as he marked the 20th death anniversary of his producer-father Yash Johar who has left a legacy of love he and his mother Hiroo Johar still live by.
Yash Johar, who backed several movies including Dostana, Agneepath, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain (his son's directorial debut), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kal Ho Naa Ho under his banner Dharma Productions, died on June 26, 2004 of cancer at the age of 75.
“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years…" wrote Karan Johar in an emotional note on Instagram.
The director-producer said his "biggest fear" was losing a parent.
"August 2nd, 2003 my father told me he had a malignant tumour… my worst nightmare was staring at me and yet it was my duty as his child to stay positive and keep the faith… but the worst thing about instincts are that….they never lie…." he wrote alongside a series of his father's pictures.
The family lost Yash Johar 10 months later but they gained "every inch of his mammoth goodwill", recalled Karan Johar.
"I was so proud to be the son of the most solid, soulful, and selfless man… he put his relationships above everything else… and has left a legacy of love that my mother and I still live by …. I wish he knew our children … but I do know he’s watching over them and us….all the time … Love you Papa…" the 52-year-old wrote.
Yash Johar started his career in the film industry as a publicist and still photographer in the early 1950s. Soon, he joined Sunil Dutt's production house Ajanta Arts where he served as a production controller on films such as Mujhe Jeene Do and Yeh Raaste Hai Pyaar Ke.
He helped Dev Anand with the production of his ambitious and successful film Guide (1965). He continued with Dev Anand's Navketan Films and handled production of films such as Jewel Thief, Prem Pujari, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
In 1976, Yash Johar went on to set up his banner Dharma Productions. After his death, Karan Johar took over the production house.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.