Post by : Meena Ariff

In a revealing discussion, Bollywood ace Karan Johar opened up about how his past experiences with bullying have significantly shaped his approach to parenting. Speaking candidly with Sania Mirza on the podcast Serving It Up with Sania, he detailed how the emotional wounds from his childhood have made him extra vigilant regarding the upbringing of his twins, Yash and Roohi Johar.

Johar, renowned as one of India's leading filmmakers and talk show hosts, has previously shared his struggles with being bullied for his weight and idiosyncrasies during his formative years. In this recent dialogue, he reflected on their lasting effects, stating, “Being a plus-size child, I faced incessant mockery. Phrases like 'dabba gul' resonate with me to this day.”

The filmmaker admitted that these past experiences have left him with insecurities influencing how he raises his children. “Half of me bears scars from my childhood,” he mentioned. “I often find myself worrying they might gain weight. I carry my own trauma—I urge them to avoid sugar, yet I want them to feel free.”

Karan’s honesty about navigating his parenting style reveals a complex interplay of his protective instincts against the fears of replicating his painful past. “If they skip a football class, I get upset. They have many school activities, but I want them to be active, as I understand the feeling of exclusion.”

His parenting oscillates between strictness and empathy. “I constantly strive for balance,” he noted. “On one side, I desire to instill discipline; on the other, I aim not to project my anxieties onto them.”

Furthermore, Karan raised concerns regarding the influence of social media on children's self-perception. He described this digital landscape as “distressing, dark, and unfortunate,” indicating how it heightens insecurities for both young and old. “Critics zoom into flaws, leaving ruthless remarks,” he stated. “Kids today are anxious about their looks and follower counts, which can severely undermine their self-esteem.”

Despite having been afforded joy during his own childhood as a plus-size individual, he fears the current generation faces heightened scrutiny. “Those who look different today bear constant stress,” he lamented. “It’s disheartening to witness children worry about their appearances so early in life.”

Karan's reflections on his children’s emotional health have also prompted changes in his life. Acknowledged for his vibrant fashion sense, he revealed he has toned down his style to lessen any potential embarrassment for his twins. “I'm naturally exuberant in my dressing, yet I do not wish for them to feel mocked because of me,” he elaborated. “I even monitor what they might discover online to avoid any discomfort.”

His ultimate aspiration is to cultivate kindness, inclusivity, and acceptance in Yash and Roohi. “I want them to embrace everyone, irrespective of their appearance, attire, or identity. That’s the acceptance I wished for as a child,” he emphasized.

Karan Johar became a single father in February 2017 via surrogacy, naming his children Yash Johar and Roohi Johar to honor his late father and mother, with Roohi’s name cleverly rearranging “Hiroo.” Since their arrival, Karan has openly celebrated the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood and frequently shares family moments across social media. However, his latest musings reveal the emotional complexities of navigating parenthood while grappling with past wounds.

His genuine reflections on vulnerability resonate deeply in an industry where image often overshadows truth. These insights shed light on broader concerns, including the long-lasting effects of bullying, the implications of body shaming, and the mental health trials faced by both parents and kids in today’s digital realm. “Every day is a learning experience for me,” he stressed. “Parenting isn’t outlined in a handbook. What remains vital is being aware, evolving, and nurturing every child's feeling of love rather than judgment.”

On the professional front, Karan continues to lead in Bollywood. His forthcoming film, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, directed by Sameer Vidwans, features Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, scheduled for release on December 25, coinciding with a significant box-office showdown with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh’s YRF spy-universe film Alpha.

As Karan expertly balances his flourishing career with the intimate challenges of fatherhood, his latest admissions serve as a poignant reminder that even the most accomplished figures carry emotional burdens— and that true fortitude often lies in acknowledging and addressing them.

#Global News #Entertainment News