Karan Johar on Childhood Trauma and Parenting Fears
Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has recently revealed the impact of his childhood trauma on his parenting. During a heartfelt conversation with Sania Mirza on her podcast, he opened up about his experiences of being bullied for his weight. This past has instilled in him a deep concern for his twins, Yash and Roohi, as he worries they might face similar pressures in today's appearance-focused society.
Karan discussed the harsh realities of social media, where children often feel anxious about not meeting certain beauty standards or having enough followers. Reflecting on his own childhood, he recalled being told that football was not for him due to his size. These experiences shape his current parenting style, where he finds himself in a constant battle between protecting his children and allowing them to enjoy their childhood.
He admitted, “50% of me is so scarred by my childhood that I get paranoid that my kids would gain weight.” This fear leads him to monitor their diet closely, urging them to avoid sweets. Yet, he also acknowledges the need to liberate them from such fears, striving to create a balance. Karan gets frustrated if they miss their football classes, showing his concern for their physical activity.
Moreover, he expressed worries about their exposure to the online world, fearing they might come across content that could embarrass them. Karan has even altered his own clothing choices to shield his children from potential ridicule at school. He wants them to embrace diversity and be accepting of themselves and others.
Karan’s journey into parenthood began in February 2017, when he welcomed his twins through surrogacy. Named after his parents, Yash and Roohi have become a significant part of his life, and he often shares moments with them on social media. As he navigates the challenges of modern parenting, Karan also looks forward to his upcoming film release, which adds another layer to his busy life.
With his film "Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri" set to release on December 25, Karan continues to balance his professional and personal life while keeping his children's well-being at the forefront of his mind.