Karan Johar Discusses Impact of Childhood Bullying on His Parenting Style

Post by : Mina Rahman

In a heartfelt discussion, Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar opened up about how his experiences with childhood bullying shape his approach to parenting. Speaking with Sania Mirza on her podcast Serving It Up with Sania, Karan conveyed the lasting emotional impact bullying has had on him, particularly regarding his twins, Yash and Roohi Johar.

Johar candidly shared his own experiences of being bullied due to his size and mannerisms during school. He described the lessons learned from those challenging years, stating, “I was a plus-size child often ridiculed and the words I heard continue to linger.”

He admitted that these past traumas inform his parenting decisions. “Half of me is scarred by childhood experiences. I worry about my kids gaining weight, often telling them to avoid sweets, while I also want to give them freedom,” he explained.

Karan’s conflicting emotions are evident as he strives to protect his children without repeating his own painful experiences. “If they skip a football class, I feel upset because I know what exclusion feels like,” he revealed. He strives to encourage physical activity while maintaining a careful balance between being strict and understanding.

Further addressing modern issues, Karan voiced his concerns over social media’s effects on young self-esteem, branding it “dark and toxic.” He noted how online scrutiny heightens feelings of inadequacy among both kids and adults. “Today’s children face immense pressure to appear ‘perfect’ or to have a large following,” he said, expressing empathy for those who feel judged based on their looks.

Karan also acknowledged that, while growing up as a plus-sized kid, he was encouraged to find joy, a luxury he fears today’s youths might lack. “Children today are bombarded with judgments. It’s distressing to witness this early fixation on appearances,” he lamented.

His worries for his kids have impacted his choices, even influencing his fashion sense. Despite his love for flamboyant attire, Karan admitted he has toned his style down for their comfort, saying, “I want to avoid causing any embarrassment for them.”

The filmmaker’s ultimate goal is to instill kindness and inclusivity in Yash and Roohi. “I want them to grow up accepting others for who they are, something I longed for in my own childhood,” he emphasized.

Since becoming a parent through surrogacy in February 2017, Karan has embraced the joys and challenges of fatherhood. He regularly shares family moments online, contrasting the glamour of his profession with the emotional depths he navigates as a parent.

Karan’s reflections resonate in today’s society, highlighting the ongoing repercussions of childhood bullying and the mental health complexities that come with raising children in the digital world. “I’m learning every day that parenting lacks a rulebook. Awareness and love are paramount,” he stated.

On the professional front, Karan is an active presence in Bollywood, with his upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, featuring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, set to release on December 25. The film will notably compete with a YRF spy film starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh.

Karan’s journey intertwines career ascent with personal growth, reminding the audience that emotional scars do exist even among the successful, and real strength lies in addressing them.