Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has often spoken openly about his personal life, including his journey as a single parent. The director welcomed his twins, Yash Johar and Roohi Johar, through surrogacy on February 7, 2017. Since then, Johar has frequently faced questions and criticism about raising children on his own. In a conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt, the filmmaker spoke candidly about the emotional impact of online comments and how he navigates the challenges of parenting in the public eye.
During the discussion, Johar explained that he has grown accustomed to dealing with criticism over the years, especially given his long career in the film industry. However, he admitted that some comments on social media have been particularly difficult to process. One remark questioning his decision to become a single parent left a deep emotional impact on him.
Johar recalled reading a comment that asked whether he realised he had “denied his children a mother.” The filmmaker said the statement affected him deeply and made him question his own choices. According to him, the remark was painful enough to bring him to tears. He remembered feeling overwhelmed that morning and struggling with doubts about whether he had made the right decision in becoming a single parent.
After reading the comment, Johar said he went into his children’s room and spoke to them. At the time, Yash and Roohi were around five years old. He asked them a simple question about whether they were happy. Their response, according to Johar, helped ease his concerns. The twins replied that they were happy because he was their “Dada,” a term they use to refer to him as their father. Johar said that moment reassured him and reaffirmed his decision to build a family in the way he had chosen.
The filmmaker also described how his relationship with social media criticism has evolved over time. In the early stages, Johar admitted he often reacted with anger to negative remarks and trolling. Later, he began to ignore such comments altogether. More recently, he said he sometimes views the criticism with a sense of detachment, even finding humour in some of the comments.
According to Johar, certain remarks are so elaborate and creative that they almost seem like carefully crafted writing. He has occasionally joked that people who spend time composing such comments could use their creativity in more constructive ways. Despite the constant scrutiny that comes with being a public figure, Johar said he remains focused on his priorities, which include his work and raising his children.
For Johar, parenthood has become one of the most meaningful aspects of his life. He has often spoken about the joy and responsibility that comes with raising Yash and Roohi. While the filmmaker manages a demanding professional schedule, he has said that spending time with his children and supporting their growth remains central to his daily routine.
Johar has also been open about another personal challenge that has shaped his outlook as a parent: body image concerns. The filmmaker has previously spoken about being teased during his teenage years for being overweight. Those experiences left a lasting impression and continue to influence how he thinks about health and self-esteem today.
Because of this, Johar admits that he sometimes worries about whether his children might face similar pressures. He has expressed concern about issues such as excessive sugar consumption, lack of physical activity, or weight gain. These worries are tied not only to health but also to the social pressures that children face today.
In another conversation with former tennis player Sania Mirza, Johar discussed how social media has intensified insecurities among young people. He pointed out that even schoolchildren now feel pressure to maintain a certain image online. According to Johar, some children already have social media accounts and worry about their appearance, clothing, or the number of followers they have.
He contrasted this with his own childhood, noting that earlier generations did not experience the same level of scrutiny. During his upbringing, Johar said there was far less emphasis on outward appearance or public validation. Today, however, digital platforms have created an environment where children are exposed to constant comparison.
Through his reflections, Johar highlighted the complexities of parenting in an era shaped by social media, public opinion and evolving family structures. While criticism remains part of his experience as a public figure, he emphasised that his focus continues to be on providing a supportive and loving environment for his children.
