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Karan Johar criticizes podcasters and astrologers for “clickbait” culture, calling predictions about death insensitive.
Karan Johar recently slammed the “sub-culture” of podcasters and astrologers for spreading negativity under the guise of free speech.
Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has voiced his frustration with what he describes as a growing “sub-culture” of podcasters and astrologers who, according to him, are disrespecting the film fraternity and crossing boundaries under the guise of free speech.
In a strongly worded Instagram story, Karan clarified that while he has “utmost respect for credible and respectable members of the media,” he cannot ignore the rise of certain platforms that thrive on negativity. He wrote, “One sub culture of podcasters (basically chat shows with new age terminology) who have emerged from the woodworks… woods that no GPS can locate… they invite guests who have nothing to lose, who haven’t been invited since World War 2, and those guests spew venom and say the most disrespectful things about hardworking and legendary members of our fraternity!!!!! This needs to STOP!!”
The filmmaker also took aim at psychics and astrologers who sensationalize personal matters, including making predictions about people’s deaths, “Also psychics and astrologers giving awful and scary revelations even about people’s impending death is both insensitive and disgusting!!! Free speech? YES. ‘CLICKBAIT for followers’? NO!!!!”
Karan Johar recently penned a heartfelt note expressing gratitude to the cast and crew of Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri. While praising director Shazia Iqbal for her vision, Johar also took a step back to reflect on his three-decade-long journey in Indian cinema, revealing how his perspective as a producer has evolved over the years.
Johar recalled that when he first turned producer in 2003 with Kal Ho Naa Ho, his approach was driven purely by commercial ambitions. “My primary agenda was clear—I wanted to build my company and focus on box office success,” he admitted. But over time, his motivations shifted. He now sees filmmaking not just as an industry but as a responsibility—an opportunity to tell stories that go beyond entertainment and resonate with deeper social meaning.
Speaking about Dhadak 2, Johar said he feels particularly proud of the film and of Shazia Iqbal, who he credited with bringing her unique voice to the project. “She has taken a powerful story and reimagined it in her own way,” Johar said, adding that the film exemplifies the kind of meaningful cinema he now wishes to stand behind.
Johar’s career trajectory reflects this balance of spectacle and substance. His directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, became a defining romantic drama of its era, setting the tone for his signature blend of grandeur and heart. He followed it with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), a lavish family saga that remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved films.
Most recently, in 2023, he returned to direction with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, a vibrant love story headlined by Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. The film combined old-world romance with modern themes, underscoring Johar’s ability to merge emotional depth with big-screen spectacle.
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
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