Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director Karan Johar is a single father to Yash and Roohi Johar, his eight-year-old twins. Karan’s father was the late producer Yash Johar, and growing up, his films weren’t always successful.
The filmmaker revealed in a new interview that his upbringing and his children’s upbringing are very different. He talked about how he’s aware of the privilege they have and what he’s doing to tackle it head-on.
Karan Johar says his children are more privileged than he was
Speaking to Jay Shetty on his podcast, Karan revealed that he didn’t have the same privileges his children now have. He shared, “I didn’t have a lot. So I was able to kind of find my feet my own way. The kids, whether I like it or not, are much more entitled and privileged than I ever was. They have much more already. So I have to first kind of ground them and root them. It’s very tough.”
Karan continued, “How do you do it because they’re already in a good car, in a good home, on holiday staying at the best hotels, traveling well, eating well? Nothing is denied to them. And when you deny there’s peer pressure, comparison with other kids who are getting stuff and you’re not giving it to them. Then you combat that.”
“I have no one to share that responsibility with, so all I can do is teach them goodness, kindness, and sociability. I always say at least the moral value system I can monitor. I can make sure they’re good, kind souls,” he added.
Karan Johar on children Yash and Roohi
Karan’s twins are named after his parents. His daughter Roohi’s name is an anagram of his mother Hiroo, while his son Yash is named after his late father. He welcomed the twins in February 2017 through surrogacy in Mumbai. On Father’s Day 2025, Karan posted on Instagram, “Some decisions are impulsive, some decisions are strategised and some are just blessed…. My decision to be a single parent has been the single most emotionally satisfying decision I could have ever made… the answer to my every prayer to the universe….”