Be it Alia Bhatt, or Varun Dhawan, or the new debutants like Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria, all have one name behind their back, Karan Johar. He is the one who launched them all, and they all have thanks to give him. But more than actors he has launched directors and on his birthday, we decided to have a look at how some of the Karan Johar’s launched directors stand now.
Abhishek Varman: He was an assistant director in Karan Johar directorial like Student Of The Year and My Name Is Khan. However, in 2014, Abhishek got his big Bollywood break as a director with Dharma Productions’ 2 States. He got his first 100 crore film with his debut venture and went on to bag the second film with KJo. Varman recently directed the multistarrer Kalank – starring Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur. Abhishek had previously worked as an Assistant Director for Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodha Akbar.
Ayan Mukerji: He worked as an assistant director with Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. After a brief break, Ayan wrote the screenplay of Wake Up Sid!, which, when he showed to Karan Johar he offered him to direct the film. He later directed Dharma Productions’ super-hit film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Ayan Mukerji is currently working with his good pal Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for their superhero film Brahmastra.
Punit Malhotra: Nephew of fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who is also a very good friend of Karan Johar, Punit Malhotra made his directorial debut with KJo’s film I Hate Love Storys. But before getting the big break, Puneet worked as an Assistant Director in the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Paheli, and Dostana. He recently directed Student Of The Year 2.
Karan Malhotra: Another Malhotra, who also launched by Karan in Bollywood is Karan Malhotra who was lauded for his debut vehicle Agneepath. Well, before getting a big Bollywood break, Karan Malhotra worked as an assistant director in films such as Jodhaa Akbar, My Name Is Khan, and Jaan-E-Mann. KJo again collaborated with the director for Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra’s Brothers.
Sonam Nair: Karan Johar, is undoubtedly one of the best filmmakers in the film industry who have given breaks to talent. Director Sonam Nayyar made her directorial debut with Karan Johar’s film Gippi, after which she also directed some short films and web series, which Karan Johar promoted on a personal level! He is known to be a sweet-heart for a reason!
Shashank Khaitan: He too was introduced by Karan Johar in 2014 with Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan starrer Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. In May 2016, Khaitan again collaborated with Karan Johar to write and direct Badrinath Ki Dulhania, under the Dharma Productions banner with Dhawan and Bhatt. Shashank Khaitan also directed Dhadak for Dharma productions.
Shakun Batra: After assisting in films like Rock On, Don 2, and Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa, Batra directed his debut film in 2012 with Kareena Kapoor and Imran Khan starrer romantic comedy Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, which was produced by KJO under his banner Dharma Productions. Shakun later directed Kapoor & Sons.