I am heartbroken: Karan Johar on working with Amitabh Bachchan, Lata
Filmmaker Karan Johar has described the intense pressure he faced while directing Amitabh Bachchan at the age of just 28 and working with Lata Mangeshkar for his second feature film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Karan Johar has opened up about the emotional pressure he felt while directing legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan and working with late singer Lata Mangeshkar for the 2001 film. sometimes happy sometimes sadJohar, who was only 28 at the time, shared his thoughts during a conversation on Manyavar’s YouTube channel, explaining how these moments represent the pinnacle of his professional and creative journey,
He described the process as surreal and overwhelming, noting the significant influence of both Bachchan and Mangeshkar on his formative years. Johar recalled, “This happened to me twice on different occasions. One was when I directed Mr. Bachchan for the first time. And the other was when Lata ji sang the song. Both of these happened on my second feature film. I was 28 years old, and I was like, man, this is my entire childhood unfolding in front of me. I was like, how can I, how can I go beyond this? And I still don’t think I can do that.” You know, I think I peaked. Like, this might be your peak, I think I peaked at 28,” Karan shared.
Johar admitted that working with such high-profile personalities was stressful, resulting in an emotional breakdown during the making of the film. He also described the challenge of finding the right approach to direct someone of Bachchan’s stature.
During the recording of the film’s title track with Lata Mangeshkar, Johar spoke of being overcome with emotions. He said, “Lata ji was singing the title track, I was sitting at the console and just crying. Because he is my entire childhood. He really is. I am obsessed with him. Amit uncle is such a person, when I meet him I touch his feet. So I feel like, I can’t believe that I am directing him. The day I was directing him, I was feeling sick because I was so stressed. And how do you tell Amitabh Bachchan that what? Like, you should just say, ‘Sir, just do what you do.’
The film also starred Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Jaya Bachchan. The pressure of directing such a renowned group was a huge responsibility for the young filmmaker.
Johar, son of late producer Yash Johar, makes his directorial debut something happensIn which Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Kajol achieved huge success at the box office.
His later works include Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, My Name Is Khan, Student of the Year, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem KahaniBeyond direction, Johar has produced blockbuster films like Kal Ho Na Ho, Dostana, Agneepath, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2 States, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Good News and Kesari.He has recently produced You are mine, I am yours, you are mine, SAlso starring Kartik Aryan and Ananya Panday homebound,