Yash Johar Birth Anniversary: How Shahrukh Khan got Karan Johar his first break from Yash Johar

Yash Johar was one of the key figures in the industry, not only known for making films like 'Dostana', 'Duniya' and 'Agneepath' but was also a renowned production controller (Yash Johar Dharma Productions founder), looking after the production of films made by men like Dev Anand, Sunil Dutt, and even several Hollywood companies.

Karan Johar was his only son who showed his passion for films since childhood! Yash wanted Karan to learn all his lessons about filmmaking by working with directors who were good at their job.

Aditya Chopra Helped Launch Karan Johar's Career in 'DDLJ'

It was Aditya Chopra who was Karan's childhood friend who gave him a break as an actor and who also took him on as one of his assistant directors. They made 'DDLJ' together and (Yash Johar legacy Bollywood cinema) history knows how big a hit the film turned out to be and still is. During the making of 'DDLJ', Karan told Aditya about a script he had written that he wanted to direct himself.

Time passed and Karan and Shah Rukh became the best of friends! During one of their many meetings, Karan narrated his script to Shah Rukh, he loved it and didn't say (Yash Johar Guide Jewel Thief) anything to Karan at that time. It was a case of 'apna bhi time aayega' for Karan.

Yash was looking for a subject to make his next film and when he got the script he felt that Shah Rukh was the only actor who could do justice to it. Yash Johar, who along with Yash Chopra had (Yash Johar childhood photographer career) helped Shah Rukh buy the place where Mannat now stands, approached Shah Rukh and asked him to do a film for his banner Dharma Productions.

And Shahrukh got a chance to help his friend Karan. He told Yash Johar that he would do his film only under the direction of Karan Johar. Yash Johar had no choice. Karan directed his first film "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and the rest is history which time has witnessed.

Sometimes a single moment can change history and in the small everyday moments of life, time does such wonders that a man just keeps watching and that is why I remember (Films produced by Yash Johar) that line of Sahir Saheb again and again, “A man should be afraid of time, one never knows when the mood of time will change!”

FAQs

1. Why is Amitabh Bachchan recalling Yash Johar now?
   On his death anniversary (June 26, 2025), Amitabh Bachchan reminisced about Yash Johar’s unforgettable smile and enduring influence on the industry.

2. What did Karan Johar reveal about Yash Johar at Cannes?
   Karan shared that in 2002, Yash Johar pitched Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham for 10 days at the Cannes market—only managing to secure a single buyer.

3. How is Yash Johar being remembered on his 20th death anniversary?
   In June 2024, Karan Johar marked the milestone with heartfelt Instagram tributes, calling his father "solid, soulful, and selfless."

4. What did Karan Johar say on Yash Johar’s birth anniversary?
   On September 6, 2024, Karan shared archived photos and fond words describing his father as his "bright guiding light."

5. Why does Dharma Productions mention Yash Johar today?
   His legacy still fuels the banner’s identity—producing international festival films like Homebound (2025), created under the studio he founded.

6. Who was Yash Johar?
   Born on September 6, 1929, and passed away on June 26, 2004, he was the founder of Dharma Productions and a visionary producer behind Hindi cinema's most iconic family sagas.

7. What are Yash Johar’s notable films?
   His acclaimed productions include Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kal Ho Naa Ho—films that shaped Bollywood’s modern narrative style.

8. How did Yash Johar begin his career?
   He started as a still photographer and production executive in the 1950s, working on classics like Guide, Jewel Thief, and Prem Pujari.

9. Did Yash Johar work on international films?
   Yes—he served as an associate producer in Hollywood projects like The Jungle Book (1994), Last Dance (1996), and Armageddon (1998).

10. Who carries forward Yash Johar’s legacy?
    After his passing, his son Karan Johar took over Dharma Productions, expanding its reach and adapting its storytelling to today’s global audience.

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