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.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
Anusha Mani
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave the Aman Hotel in Venice ahead of their wedding Getty Images 
Kardashians seen boarding a boat ahead of the evening celebrations in VeniceGetty Images 
Oprah Winfrey wave to fans while heading to the welcome event Getty Images
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez gesture in direction of Bezos' lookalike from the taxi boatGetty Images
Brad Pitt at the F1 premiere in London before the burglary was reported Getty Images 
Brad Pitt walks in the Paddock after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand PrixGetty Images 
Brad Pitt attends the "Wolfs" red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival Getty Images
Kajol shares her take on marriage in a new interview Getty Images 
Kajol says they skip date nights and focus on family timeGetty Images