It's tough for outsiders in Bollywood - Karan Joh

It's tough for outsiders in Bollywood - Karan Johar

(Reuters) - Film-maker Karan Johar has a loyal fan following that eagerly awaits Bollywood movies that bear his stamp -- elaborate music, costumes and style.

But Johar says if it weren't for his family connections in the film business, he might have given up on his Bollywood dreams.

The director of hits such as "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "My Name Is Khan" was speaking at a panel discussion on Tuesday, part of the FICCI Frames industry conference.

Johar, 40, shared his experiences with film-makers Gauri Shinde, Sujoy Gupta, Kabir Khan and actor Amit Sadh -- all "outsiders" who have found success in a movie industry often dubbed insular and nepotistic.

"I am the brand ambassador of nepotism," Johar said to much laughter in the audience. "I see what people go through to get into the industry and I know I could have never done that."

"That is why I am launching as many new directors at Dharma Productions. I want to give back to the industry," he said.

Johar's father, Yash Johar was a noted producer, known for films such as "Agneepath" and "Dostana".

Most panellists said it was difficult for newcomers to get noticed in Bollywood.

"No one is going to give it to you on a plate," said Sujoy Ghosh, director of the unexpected 2012 hit "Kahaani".

"You have to go through all the trouble and you have to struggle if you want to make it. There is no other way," he said.

It's tough for outsiders in Bollywood but "I am the brand ambassador of nepotism," Johar!!! W*F!! everything that's wrong with Bollywood! KJo will do this forever! 🤢 even the directors he launches arent outsiders... Manish's nephew Punit etc

And that is why he is casting new talent...to prove a point...then what was alia and varun?
all the time he runs behind stars for his films
Atleast he accepts nepotism now...ope now he makes more films with 'new comers'

I think kjo had to struggle a lot despite being bw insider.
But what in God's name is he babbling? Except for sid m, who was a rank outsider in all his recent launches? And even sid had modelling connections.

Sometimes I feel.sorry for Indian movies. Even regional movies hve become family business now. Its in blood of Indians, family business and it will never g ok out.

It's tough for outsiders in Bollywood - Karan Johar

what about insiders?😉 😆

Gauri Shinde is no outsider, she is wife of some famous director Balki who also produced 'English Vnglish'..

Originally posted by: LadyDabangg

"I am the brand ambassador of nepotism," Johar said to much laughter in the audience. "I see what people go through to get into the industry and I know I could have never done that."

This is nauseating.

Originally posted by: Nitu_ST_Deewani

It's tough for outsiders in Bollywood but "I am the brand ambassador of nepotism," Johar!!! W*F!! everything that's wrong with Bollywood! KJo will do this forever! 🤢even the directors he launches arent outsiders... Manish's nephew Punit etc

Karan Malhotra the director of Agneepath is also the son of some producer/director.

Only casting couch makes them softer be it girl or a boy