Karan Johar stole the limelight, turning into a love guru while answering a volley of questions at the trailer launch of Dhadak 2 — speaking on films, love, Dharma’s choices, his experience with censorship, ill-health, weight loss, Gen Z’s love mantra, and being single yet open to love at the age of 53.
Dhadak 2, produced by Dharma Productions, explores themes of caste and social discrimination and is both an intense and sensitive love story.
KJo Excerpts�
On Dhadak 2 being an official adaptation of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal:
“It’s an official adaptation of a film that received wide appreciation. I can proudly say this is a very well-made version of Pariyerum Perumal. We were happy to acquire the rights, but we’ve made our own film with it. The first thing that attracts you is the screenplay — the writing must touch your heart. These were the two key reasons I decided to do this film. Everyone has worked very hard.”
On Dharma’s thematic choices — how Dhadak 2 stands apart:
“Dharma Productions has been associated with a particular kind of cinema, but we’ve constantly tried to break away from that. We’ve taken up themes that need addressing and presented them with sensitivity — which Dhadak 2 required. As content creators and artists, we can drive change through cinema. Being in a position of storytelling, we must take up such subjects. This is a mainstream, intense love story. I’ve never been worried about repercussions. If there’s a line, and you have a choice, fight it.”
On his experience with the censor board for Dhadak 2:
“Yes, it took time to reach theatres. But the censor board was understanding and compassionate — they saw what we were trying to say. Both sides protected the film’s sensitivity. These processes take time; things don’t happen overnight. In our country, many things happen at the last minute. But I assure you, the way Shazia wanted to tell this story — it will be seen that way.”
On Gen Z’s love and heartbreak:
“My observation of Gen Z is very different from how boomers or millennials perceive them. While dating apps are popular and swiping is common, when it comes to love, this generation is intense. The way this generation experiences heartbreak — no other generation has. Just check Spotify — most played songs are heartbreak anthems.
There’s nothing more beautiful than your heartbreak experience — it breaks you but also solidifies you. It’s therapeutic. When you come out of heartbreak, you feel gratified. That feeling — when your heart breaks and heals — is the most special.”
On not finding love yet:
“I’m single. I’d love for a love story to enter my life, but it hasn’t. So through my films, I express my incomplete love story. By the end of this film, I hoped maybe Dhadak 3 could be my story.”
On whether he’d fight for love or give up:
“I’m single at 53. This is not the age to die for love or to fight for it — it’s my time to live. I’ll just live. I don’t have the energy to fight for love now — jo hona tha ho gaya. If it comes, I’ll welcome it with open arms. If not, like KBC, I also have four options!”
On trolls and weight loss:
“Just yesterday, I read online — ‘What illness does Karan Johar have?’ I’m perfectly healthy and very happy. I’ve never felt so normal on my feet. One reason for my weight loss is that, and the other is adopting many lifestyle changes for wellness. I’m alive and will stay alive.
To those netizens — I want to say, I want to live for many years, especially for my children. And I have many stories still left to tell.”
Dhadak 2, directed by Shazia Iqbal, is a spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018) and a remake of Pariyerum Perumal, with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri in the lead.