Tag: KARAN JOHAR

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Karan Johar Reflects on Cinema’s Evolution at IFFI Opening Ceremony

IIFa rocks

Veteran stars Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan also starred in Karan Johar’s directorial…reports Asian Lite News

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who arrived at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, shared how the cinema, storyline, characters and politics have evolved with time.

He said that from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, it’s been like a journey, “I have been here for the past 25 years and I am glad there is an evolution. I think from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, it has been like a journey. From one love story in 1998 to another in 2023. The characters have evolved, the journey has evolved, politics have evolved, the communication about family, love and gender equality has evolved I hope so and I am glad that the film received so much love.”

‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ was released on July 28, 2023. The film emerged as a hit at the box office. It crossed Rs 150 crore mark in India.

The film revolves around Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer), a Punjabi businessman, and Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt), a Bengali journalist, who fall in love despite their differences and family objections. They decide to live with each other’s families for three months before getting married.

Veteran stars Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan also starred in Karan Johar’s directorial.

On the film’s success, Karan penned an emotional note on Instagram. He wrote, “Prior to the release of this film, I felt that at any point of time I would need an IV drip and was near collapse!! The question I asked myself was – is it the long 7 year gap? Or the anxiety built over the last 3 years. Or the fact that we live in an ambiguous box office time. Whatever the real reason is – I was a bonafide mess! But the Friday, 28th of July, I felt nothing but gratitude, validation and sheer joy. This film is truly a product of team energy & love.”

He expressed gratitude to the writers, dress designers and musicians of the film and wrote, “I want to first express my deepest gratitude to the writing forces of this film – Shashank Khaitan & Sumit Roy, who guided me through the narrative journey of our film. Special mention to Ishita Moitra, who brought so much humour, introspection and cinema drama to the screenplay and crackling dialogues. This entire writing process would not have been possible without the creative governance & brilliance of Somen Mishra.”

“To my best friend and the couture maverick, Manish Malhotra and to the supremely talented Eka Lakhani for matching the sari to Gucci with equal elan! Manush Nandan – for painting every frame so so beautifully. The maestro editor, Nitin Baid for keeping me in check! The aesthetic force and the best hug in town – Amrita. To Sohel & Debu Da, for taking us to the finish line with sheer expertise. To my absolute favourite Pritam da and his entire team – for creating and weaving musical magic that enhanced every scene of the film. To Amitabh Bhattacharya for his genius mind!!” he added.

Coming back to IFFI, the guest list for the event also includes Vijay Sethupathi, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Sunny Deol, Karan Johar, Shantanu Moitra, Shreya Ghoshal and Sukhwinder Singh, among others. (ANI)

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Karan Johar Launches Transformative Fashion Entrepreneur Fund’s Website

Karan Johar launched the transformative Fashion Entrepreneur Fund’s website, marking a groundbreaking initiative that empowers emerging fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs with essential resources, investment, education, mentorship and networking during the inaugural ‘Alliance Dinner’…reports Asian Lite News

India Fashion Awards (IFA), a distinguished non-profit organisation renowned for its commitment to the fashion industry, proudly introduced the website of the eagerly awaited Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF) on September 3, 2023, at a hotel in Lutyens New Delhi.

Established by the visionary Fashionpreneur, Sanjay Nigam, FEF’s primary objective is to offer vital financial support and mentorship, fostering a collaborative and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. This innovative venture studio is backed by the esteemed Indian film director,  Karan Johar and business luminaries from the fashion and business domain such as Naveen Jindal, Robin Raina, J.K. Lalwani, Sandeep Jain, Vagish Pathak, Idha Pathak, Vinod Dugar, Gaurav Dalmia and Samir Modi.

Karan Johar launched the transformative Fashion Entrepreneur Fund’s website, marking a groundbreaking initiative that empowers emerging fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs with essential resources, investment, education, mentorship and networking during the inaugural ‘Alliance Dinner’.

Karan Johar enthusiastically expressed, “Young entrepreneurs in India’s fashion and lifestyle realm are igniting a global movement, reshaping entire industries with their innovative ideas. With this venture studio, we’re not just writing cheques, we’re writing success stories. By providing both financial support and essential mentorship, we’re empowering the next generation to confidently make their mark with authenticity. I am incredibly enthusiastic about being a part of this vision aimed at propelling the industry to unprecedented heights. To all the budding trailblazers stepping onto the Indian business stage: Embrace your unique vision, infuse it with authenticity, and fearlessly sculpt a radiant future ahead.”

The inauguration ceremony of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund website paved the way for a surge of exceptionally talented individuals equipped with tools and knowledge to thrive in the industry. Ranveer Singh’s enthusiastic presence electrified the event.

Additionally, FEF is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking initiative in fostering young entrepreneurial talent with the launch of an unprecedented OTT series. This initiative will invest ₹20 crore in fashion and lifestyle start-ups, which will be selected based on their business acumen and creativity, presented by the esteemed Karan Johar. It represents a significant milestone in FEF’s mission, offering in-depth insights into the inspiring journeys of the finalists poised to redefine the landscape of fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, FEF is not only celebrating individual achievements but also nurturing a vibrant community of fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs uniquely positioned to shape and guide the future.

Vagish Pathak, Chairperson, Fashion Entrepreneur Fund said, “Let us remember that fashion is not just about what we wear; it’s a reflection of our individuality, creativity and our commitment to sustainability. Together, we embark on a journey where style meets purpose and our investments in the future of fashion and lifestyle will not only shape trends but also drive positive change in our world.”

Sanjay Nigam, the founder of Talent Factory, the India Fashion Awards, and the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, expressed his gratitude and vision, saying, “I feel deeply privileged to witness the convergence of creativity, innovation and limitless opportunities within the dynamic fashion and lifestyle industry. The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund represents far more than a mere financial investment; it embodies an unwavering commitment to nurturing dreams and unlocking the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs. Through our comprehensive approach, we not only empower individuals but also possess the profound ability to reshape the very essence of the industry itself. Together, guided by our shared vision, we are poised to ignite an unprecedented wave of entrepreneurial spirit that will redefine the benchmark of success within the fashion realm. The journey ahead is exhilarating, and I am excited to see the transformative impact of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund on the lives of those it touches.”

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Multitasking is a strength that Karan acquired over years

The show has seen many iconic moments unfold in front of the camera but, for Karan the most favourite episode remains, “where the Kapoors – Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor and Neetuji graced the show”…reports AKSHAY ACHARYA

Karan Johar, who wears multiple hats and is one of the most revered film personalities of India, has returned with the seventh season of his popular chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’.

The show this time around, cranks the entertainment quotient up notch with celebrities spilling beans on the coveted couch, not to forget the sensational rapid fire that has over the years added spice to India’s simmering pop-culture.

As the show continues to garner love and attention from the audience in equal measure, the Dharma productions head-honcho sitting on the other side of the couch, spoke with IANS about having made changes to the episodes just before going on air, his personal favourite episode from the show’s journey of 18 years and times when things hit the rocky road.

Karan, who started his film journey as an assistant to his cousin Aditya Chopra in the iconic movie ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ and also starred in the film as Raj’s (played by Shah Rukh Khan) friend, has immense confidence in his multi-tasking abilities. The confidence manifests itself in the panache with which he handles things on multiple fronts be that of a show host, reality TV show judge, filmmaker or the producer who heads one of India’s premiere studios.

He tells IANS, “Multitasking is a strength that I have acquired over the years. I can compartmentalise things in my life fairly strategically. When I am a filmmaker, my complete attention is there. When I am a talk show host, my focus goes there. When I am producing films, that process keeps going on.”

“So, I don’t believe that either of them bleed into each other or I lose focus because I have been able to actually design and wire my brain to do many things at the same time”, he furthers his point.

The couch has been a witness to some of the most controversial statements of all time made by celebs in flow of the conversation. Something that someone might have said in jest may not have sat well with the person whom the comment was directed at. Has Karan ever stepped in to save the day? The answer is a sharp “Yes”.

“Many times, it has happened that I had to step in two douse the fire after rapid fire. I remember when Sonam and Deepika came to the show and spoke whatever they had to, Chintu ji (Rishi Kapoor) was very upset. I had to step in to make things alright. I have shows banned and taken off air, which I felt terrible for,” Karan shares.

Not just that, the show host has actually sat on the edit table and removed bits that would have unleashed a Tsunami of sorts.

He lets in a secret, “I have had times where I have actually edited comments made on the show by celebs before the telecast because I felt that it would land up in trouble. Many times actors have called me directly requesting to cut something that they have said as a slip of tongue. I have done this because for me relationships come before everything.”

The show has seen many iconic moments unfold in front of the camera but, for Karan the most favourite episode remains, “where the Kapoors – Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor and Neetuji graced the show”.

The filmmaker describes it as an emotional moment both as a show host and as family friend to Kapoor khandaan.

As the conversation wraps up, pops a slightly unpredictable question just to gauge Karan’s interest in acting post the debacle of Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bombay Velvet’ where the former played the character of Kaizad Khambatta.

Gracious enough, KJo responds that he is really sad that his acting career came to a grinding halt. He wants to reverse that because he really believes that there is an actor and him who should be given an opportunity.

“I have got no acting offers after ‘Bombay Velvet’, it has literally become a ‘dhabba’ on my filmography, even Anurag Kashyap doesn’t approach me now”, he concludes in jest.

‘Koffee With Karan’ season 7 is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

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