Karan Johar has known Shah Rukh Khan's children, Suhana and Aryan, for years, almost like family. But in a recent chat on Raj Shamani’s podcast, the filmmaker stripped away all the glam and sentimentality to talk plainly about their journeys in the film industry. “These two are not just star kids, they’re serious about their work,” he shared.
Starting with Suhana, Karan didn’t shy away from the criticism she received after The Archies. But he pointed out that her next film King, opposite her father Shah Rukh Khan, will be a real game-changer. “People will finally see her for who she is on screen,” he said, adding that she’s put in the hours, studied the craft, and is not relying on her last name. According to him, Suhana’s work speaks for itself. He’s seen her earlier performances and believes King will prove there’s a real actor in her, one with her own voice, not just a shadow of her father.
Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan earn their place through hard work says Karan JoharInstagram/Pinkvilla
As for Aryan, the spotlight is different. He’s not facing the camera but he’s behind it. Aryan’s Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood, which he co-created and is directing, is already creating industry buzz. Karan has watched it and didn’t mince words: Aryan is not what people expect from a superstar’s son. “He’s not loud. He’s not trying to prove anything. He just works. Twenty hours a day, quietly and obsessively. He’s not trying to be SRK 2.0, he’s doing his own thing.”
Karan also touched on the long-running nepotism debate. Yes, having a famous last name might open doors, but staying in the room, he said, takes real talent and consistency. He used Aryan and Suhana as examples of young people not riding the wave of their family name, but carving a place of their own.
Karan Johar defends Shah Rukh Khan's kids against nepotism claimsGetty Images
He admitted he has a soft corner for them. For Karan, they’re like family. But that’s not why he believes in them. “You can’t fake the kind of hard work they’re putting in. They’ve chosen the hard way, and they’re sticking to it.”
The singer jokingly texted Clairo saying, "Let's f**k her up," sparking an online frenzy
Why Charli XCX jokingly declared war on Peppa Pig after one viral comment
Highlights
What started as a playful celebrity game has turned into one of the internet's most unexpected viral moments, with Charli XCX jokingly threatening to "f**k up" Peppa Pig after the beloved cartoon character appeared to dismiss singer Clairo.
The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from fans and fellow musicians, while turning an unlikely clash between a pop star and a fictional children's character into a trending talking point.
Peppa Pig's viral remark sparked the joke
The playful exchange began during Peppa Pig's appearance in Pitchfork's Over/Under game, where the animated character rated a selection of music artists.
While expressing admiration for acts including PinkPantheress and The Beatles, Peppa responded to Clairo by saying, "I don't know her," a line widely recognised as a reference to Mariah Carey's famous response when asked about Jennifer Lopez.
The remark, accompanied by a knowing glance at the camera, quickly gained traction online.
Charli XCX rushed to Clairo's defence
After seeing the clip, Charli XCX privately messaged Clairo, writing, "Let's f**k her up," alongside a screenshot of the viral post.
Clairo later shared the exchange on social media, prompting thousands of reactions from fans, many of whom responded with pig and bacon-themed jokes.
PinkPantheress, whom Peppa had praised in the original video, also joined the conversation, posting a message supporting Clairo.
As the exchange continued, Clairo responded to the growing attention with humour, replying to posts before eventually telling followers, "ok that's enoughhhhh lolllllllllll."
Some fans joked that the viral moment was the perfect opportunity for the singer to announce new music, though Clairo replied that she did not have anything ready to share.
Her most recent album, Charm, was released in 2024, with its accompanying tour concluding in 2025.
Charli XCX keeps her focus on new music
While the online joke continued to gather momentum, Charli XCX did not publicly add to the exchange.
Instead, the singer has been focusing on promoting her upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is scheduled for release on July 24.
Although fans speculated that one of the track titles could be a playful nod to the viral exchange, there has been no indication that the album references the light-hearted social media moment.