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My biggest fear was losing a parent: Karan Johar pens emotional note for father Yash Johar

Twenty years have passed since the late Bollywood stalwart breathed his last

Entertainment Desk June 26, 2024

Karan Johar recently took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to his late father, Yash Johar, on the 20th anniversary of his passing. In his poignant post, Karan expressed his profound sense of loss and the enduring influence of his father’s legacy on his life and career.

Karan began his heartfelt message by revealing the moment he first confronted his greatest fear. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years... My biggest fear was losing a parent,” he wrote. He recounted the harrowing day on August 2, 2003, when his father informed him of a malignant tumour diagnosis. “My worst nightmare was staring at me, and yet it was my duty as his child to stay positive and keep the faith… but the worst thing about instincts is that... they never lie.”

Yash Johar was a stalwart in the Indian film industry, known for his exceptional contributions and unwavering integrity. Despite Karan’s hope and positivity, his father succumbed to his illness just ten months later. Reflecting on this period, Karan shared, “He left us 10 months after… We lost him, but we gained every inch of his mammoth goodwill. I was so proud to be the son of the most solid, soulful, and selfless man.”

Karan’s tribute highlighted his father's immense impact, not just on his professional life, but on his personal values and relationships. “He put his relationships above everything else… and has left a legacy of love that my mother and I still live by,” Karan wrote.

The filmmaker also expressed a bittersweet sentiment about his father's absence in the lives of his children. “I wish he knew our children… but I do know he’s watching over them and us… all the time,” Karan added, reflecting on the spiritual connection he feels with his father despite his physical absence.

Yash Johar’s legacy continues to thrive through Dharma Productions, which continues to be one of Bollywood’s leading production houses under Karan’s stewardship. The filmmaker's emotional post resonated deeply with his followers and the Bollywood community and served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a father and son and the lasting impact of Yash Johar’s legacy on the Indian film industry.