Dharma Productions, an emblem of opulence in Bollywood today, faced turbulent times during its inception. In the late 1990s, Karan Johar‘s father, Yash Johar, struggled to turn the company into a profitable venture, a challenging phase that took a personal toll on the family. In a revealing interview, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who collaborated with Yash and Karan on iconic films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kal Ho Naa Ho, disclosed that Karan’s house had to be mortgaged during this trying time, compounded by Karan’s mother, Hiroo Johar, suffering a heart attack.
Advani recounted, “I remember Karan telling me that there was a time when he sold his lights and camera. He had mortgaged his house. Hiroo aunty had a heart attack.” The financial strain was so severe that they resorted to selling camera and lighting equipment just to raise some funds. When Amitabh Bachchan learned about Hiroo’s situation, having been close friends with Yash Johar since school days, he immediately took action. “Amitji left his shoot and rushed to see her in the hospital,” Advani noted, emphasizing the deep bond between the legendary actor and the Johar family.
This poignant visit catalyzed developments that would soon propel Dharma Productions forward. Nikkhil explained that during Amitabh’s visit, he inquired about Yash’s struggles and subsequently proposed collaboration on a new project, which led to the creation of Agneepath. He recalled, “Amit ji came out, met Yash uncle and told him, ‘There is a boy, who I am making a film with. Romesh is producing it…we should do it together’.” This act of generosity demonstrated Amitabh Bachchan’s willingness to help his friend during a dire time, offering his dates for the crucial film.
Despite the emotional and financial support from Bachchan, the road to success was not smooth. Although Agneepath received critical acclaim, it surprisingly faltered at the box office, mirroring the myriad struggles faced by the Johars. Karan Johar later expressed a bittersweet nostalgia regarding that era, acknowledging the significant risks his father took to set the foundation of Dharma Productions. “My father took a huge loan to set up Dharma Productions and made Dostana…but he faced losses with many subsequent flops,” Karan reflected, highlighting the precarious nature of their early ventures.
Yash Johar had been a production controller for three decades before venturing out on his own, striving to build a legacy for Karan. It is evident that Karan’s journey was fraught with adversity, yet it was moments of unwavering support from figures like Amitabh Bachchan that provided glimmers of hope amid the chaos. “I don’t see my time at Dharma as three films; I see it as I was there at Dharma when the foundation was being made,” Nikkhil urged, encapsulating the significance of that period in shaping Karan Johar’s illustrious career.
As Karan Johar continues to flourish in the film industry, the shadows of those challenging times remind us of the resilience required to rise from overwhelming setbacks. Amitabh Bachchan’s timely intervention not only marked a pivotal moment in their professional journey but also reaffirmed the bonds of friendship that can illuminate even the darkest of times.
