Filmmaker Karan Johar, in a conversation with Raj Shamani, reflected on being mocked during his youth for his body, walk, and voice. He shared that despite the criticism, his parents, Yash Johar and Hiroo Johar, were his “safe space,” with his father encouraging him to dance freely and even consider acting.
Karan Johar recalls being told his voice sounded feminine; says, “Today, I’d say just be yourself”
Karan Johar shared that he underwent over two years of training to modify his voice. Recalling the experience, he said, “But I always combated the world and what they thought of me. I remember I went to a public speaking class. There, those who were teaching me, they stopped me after class and told, ‘Duniya mein samaaj mein aapko bahut problem hoga kyunki aapki jo awaaz hai woh ladkiyon jaisi hai. Usme aap baritone laao. Uske liye hum aapko voice exercises denge (You’ll face problems in life and society because your voice is like that of a girl. We will give you voice exercises).”
Karan Johar revealed that he hid the real reason for his voice training from his father out of embarrassment. “Toh do saal tak main gaya woh class karne taaki main apne awaaz mein baritone le aaun (I went there to do class for two years so that I can bring baritone in my voice) to sound like a man,” he said, adding, “I did the classes for two to three years. I told my father that I was doing computer classes because I was very shy to tell him I’m going to do this. I was feeling ashamed. After three years, I had a baritone voice. Not only did they teach me baritone, they also taught me how to walk, how to become more masculine. Today, main kabhi yeh advice kisi ko na doon (I won’t give this advice to anyone). I’ll say, ‘Be yourself. If you are walking a certain way, do that. If you are talking like this, then continue. Don’t change yourself for anyone’.”
Karan Johar began his directorial journey with the 1998 romantic drama Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. His most recent directorial venture was Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, released in 2023.
BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.