Karan Johar Reveals his First Reaction when he heard of receiving Padma Shri Award!

Filmmaker Karan Johar has worked his way to the top and he is considered as one of the top personalities that represents Bollywood. This year on the occasion of Republic Day Johar was conferred with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India this year. 

Reacting to the same KJo revealed his first reaction when he heard the news of him being conferred with the fourth highest civilian award. Talking to Mumbai Mirror, Johar said that he was shocked and numb when he first heard the news of it. 

I was shocked! I was trying to call my mother to speak to my kids while scouting for locations for Takht in a forest in Italy but couldn’t get through. I walked around exasperatedly in search of reception when suddenly the phone rang. I don’t usually answer calls from unknown numbers but thank God I answered this one. It was from the ministry. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I managed to thank them but after the call ended, I went numb. I was standing there alone when this news dropped. I called my mother despite the terrible network. She broke down when I told her I’d got the Padma Shri.

- Karan Johar

As the filmmaker tried to explain his happiness he even imagined about how his father would have reacted to it. 

When Kuch Kuch Hota Hai bagged a National Award (for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment) in 1998, we got a call at home and my father (late producer Yash Johar) turned to me, saying, ‘Ek din main chahta hoon tu Padma Shri jeete’. I’d protested then, saying I was too young to know where my life would go and asking him not to give me this kind of stress. But papa reiterated it, saying it was his desire, and while he knew he would not win it in his lifetime, he wanted his son to get it one day. My mamma reminded me of that conversation. It’s the fourth most prestigious civilian award in the country and my heart is bursting with pride. A national honor brings a little more responsibility which I am willing to shoulder.

- Karan Johar

Karan started off his journey as a director in 1998 with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The filmmaker made his mark in the industry with some of the most successful films that intrigued the audience. He is majorly known for his films like  Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name Is Khan, Student of the Year and many more.