Mumbai: He is 36 years old and a well-established filmmaker with hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, but despite the accomplishments Karan Johar is awestruck when he meets his favourite stars.
"At heart I remain an excited child who's been given a toy called cinema. I'm awestruck with the place I've been given in the film industry," Johar, who turned 36 on May 25, told IANS.
"Even today when I meet a star I admire, I still feel awestruck. I'm still a star-struck child, though I try hard to hide it. Every time I sit across Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, I've to pinch myself," he added.
And Karan says Shah Rukh isn't his back slapping buddy.
"He's my family, a father figure. When he walks into a room, I stand up. I respect him. In fact, I'm petrified of him and he knows it. He's not my back slapping buddy. His wife Gauri is my friend. She's the one I say, 'Oh shut up' to. Even in my wildest dream I can't imagine saying shut up to Shah Rukh."
Excerpts from an interview:
Q: So, you are now 36!
A: Do you have to remind me? Last year I remember telling you L'Oreal was helping me look younger. This year I cannot reveal the name of the product I'm using to look younger. I can't endorse a product. It's about the money, you see. But there're lots of products going into keeping the illusion of eternal youth alive. What do I say to you about turning 36? I'm shattered. I can't believe I'm inching towards 40.
Q: But life begins at 40, remember?
A: It's the biggest lie about age. Let me tell you, life does not begin at 40. It's an illusion created by those who can't accept they're going old. I accept I'm no longer a teenybopper. I'm older and hopefully wiser.
Q: Has the film industry made you wiser?
A: It has toughened me. I don't know if I'm around too many wise people to judge my wisdom. I only pray I'm not making the wrong decisions.
Q: Well, you seem to be making all the right moves.
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