Filmmaker Karan Johar remembered his late father and veteran producer Yash Johar on his birth anniversary, sharing cherished memories of his warmth, humour, humility and the life lessons he continues to carry with him.
Sharing rare childhood photographs on social media, Karan wrote, “happy birthday papa, miss you everyday,” before recalling several moments that reflected his father’s distinctive sense of humour.
He remembered buying his first designer jacket after the release of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and proudly showing it to his father. Yash Johar, however, took a playful dig at the purchase, telling him, “Beta yeh Burberry nahi… Bahut buri hai…” Karan said he was initially shattered but soon burst out laughing.
“That was my father – rooted, basic and very very funny,” he recalled.
Karan also remembered how his father remained his biggest admirer, often reassuring him about his appearance and even suggesting that he become a Bollywood hero. His mother, he added, would bring him back to reality with her practical advice.
But beyond the humour, Karan said his father was his hero because of his values, kindness, humility and selflessness.
Recalling Yash Johar’s final days, Karan shared an especially emotional conversation following one of his father’s chemotherapy sessions.
“I don’t want to leave mom and you but I feel like I am going to… Just promise me you will always be kind… success means nothing if you’re not kind. And take care of mom, like I have,” Yash Johar had told him.
When his father was on a ventilator and Karan knew there was little hope, he whispered a promise that he would take care of his mother.
Karan said his father’s condition soon deteriorated and he passed away. “When you lose a parent, you gain a god. He is my god. I pray to him everyday,” he wrote.
Yash Johar died on June 26, 2004, in Mumbai at the age of 74 after battling cancer and suffering from a chest infection. He founded Dharma Productions in 1976 and produced several acclaimed films, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Karan said the void left by his father 22 years ago is one he has never tried to fill, describing his continued bond with him as a blessing.