Karan Johar on the 12 strong female influences in his life
| FOLLOW HER LEAD: Karan with mother Hiroo Johar |
Karan Johar gets talking about the women he loves and admires. And explains why he can't do without them.
Hiroo Johar
Mom is my conscience, voice of reason and my best friend. We have always been such a close family that I couldn't imagine life without my parents. After papa's death, mom and I have grown closer… sometimes by reflecting on earlier times or worrying about the future; anything and everything. After I ran away from boarding school (New Era) when I was in the 8th standard four days after I joined, I remember mom asking me whether I wanted to remain like this all my life. I was not doing well in studies, sports or extra-curricular activities. She told me I had to do something in life. She said it with so much sadness that it made me change course. From that day, I vowed to myself that I would become somebody.
Gauri Khan
She is Shah Rukh's wife and my best friend. I can chat, talk and discuss everything on the face of earth with Gauri. If I don't speak to her once in the day I feel as if I am missing something. Many people think she's vague, few people realise how enterprising, observant, astute and analytical she is — bang on in her observations and possesses a great sense of humour. Gauri is a great balance of today's woman who still maintains the roots of her existence. At heart, she's still the simple Delhi girl from a joint family. The way she runs her home, husband and kids is just amazing. Gauri will remain an iconic woman for me. She's a strong inspiration to everyone and one of the strongest factors in Shah Rukh's life. Gauri is the heart and soul of Mannat.
Kajal Anand
She's my oldest friend. My grandmother knew her mom. I know that the first call I make in the middle of the night if I need something will be to Kajal (Putloo). Kajal, Gauri, Shah Rukh and I have spent many evenings together talking about life. We are a therapy panel for each other. Some of my greatest discussions have been with Gauri and Kajal for seven hours at a stretch not realising how time went by. I really believe Kajal is the best friend one can have. She's loyal and sincere. Kajal is very special and I feel as if I have known her all my life.
Shweta Bachchan (Amitabh's daughter)
We have grown up together and still keep in touch. Mom says Shweta is the daughter she never had. Shweta is a very strong woman, highly intelligent, well read, and a great conversationalist. She's the lesser known figure of the Bachchan clan but a very special woman. Many people talk about the things that don't really matter but Shweta and I have always talked about things that matter.
Kajol
She gives the best hugs in the world! Kajol likes one out of ten people but the ones she loves, she will love for life. She's extremely loyal to her friends. I know when I am 80 and tottering, I will still be in touch with Kajol. She has even kept in touch with her school friends. She's been there for me always. Kajol has a mind of her own and I respect her for that. Her priority is her husband (Ajay Devgan), child (Nysa) and her own happiness and nothing can come in the way of that! Nothing can compare to Kajol's personal life — not even the best film or biggest remuneration. You can offer Kajol the moon, but she will always put her personal life first. She's very clear about what she wants in her life and that's happiness, peace and love from and of her family. Kajol is also the best daughter- in-law I have seen. She breaks the myth of bahus being bad.
Kareena Kapoor
Bebo is the one woman who can make me laugh. We have this connection. Kareena's like this little kid I saw at a party and thought she's my Poo. She's not changed since then. I feel brotherly and fatherly towards her and want to take care of her like a younger sister. Bebo can have me in splits in minutes. Today, in retrospect, I feel we fought because we love each other. That phase has brought us closer so I don't regret that fight.
Farah Khan
She's the bravest woman I know. Farah is a myth-breaker. It takes guts for a woman to go out and make
a film and make it the biggest commercial hit. I am sure Farah will be the best mother. I salute her approach to the biggest things in life with such composure. Farah has triplets like she has coffee. She's not changed a bit since the time I have known her. Her one-liners are hysterical. I love Farah's spirit and terrific sense of humour. We have too many anecdotes and memories. One of the best is when she came to my room at 4 am in Scotland when we were shooting for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. She was wearing a Daffy Duck night suit saying there was a ghost in her room who was trying to kill her and she wanted to sleep in my room. I don't know what was more scary — the ghost or the Daffy Duck night suit!
Sunita Menon
She's my friend, philosopher and guide. I have called her many a time in the middle of a crisis and had emotional conversations with her. I have discussed things with Sunita that I haven't discussed with anyone ever.
Natasha Nanda
I believe Natasha or Tashu as we all call her is an angel. Shah Rukh says she's the best human being we know. Tashu is innocent, spotless and clean-hearted. She always has something nice to say about everyone and genuinely means it. We tease her that if we touch her, she will praise someone. Tashu's special — she's one of the finest human beings I know.
Rani Mukerji
I feel Rani is someone I introduced as if KKHH was her first film. I can reprimand and love Rani. Though I didn't take her in three of my films, she kept our equation going and has been there for me always. We just love each other. In KKHH, I bullied her by snatching her dessert plate away from her. I would monitor her diet as we wanted her to look hot and she would be like a little child following instructions. She's the only person around whom I have been like a professor — giving her advice like some kind of uncle.
My Chak De! gang
They have also another name — Pamela Grover but don't ask me why. The gang consists of Gauri's friends — Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, Sussanne Roshan, Seema Khan, and Shabina Khan. I meet them a lot. I love my Chak De! gang. They are my girl power gang.
Pooja & Aarti Shetty (Manmohan Shetty's daughters)
Sunita Menon, Pooja, Aarti and I are a gang. Pooja and Aarti are my newest friends and yet I feel very connected to them. They are stimulating company and comforting friends.
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