Karan Johar Reveals How Childhood Bullying Shapes His Parenting

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has once again bared his soul, this time delving into how the bullying he faced as a child continues to shape his parenting style. In a candid conversation with Sania Mirza on her podcast Serving It Up with Sania, Karan revealed that the emotional scars from his early years have made him deeply cautious — sometimes even paranoid — about how his twins, Yash and Roohi Johar, experience the world.

Karan Johar, one of India’s most successful filmmakers and talk show hosts, has often spoken about being bullied for his weight and mannerisms during his school days. However, in his recent interview, he gave a deeper glimpse into how those experiences still affect him as an adult and a father. “I was a plus-size child who faced constant ridicule,” Karan recalled. “I was told to play dabba gul because football was not for me. Those words stay with you forever.”

Such experiences, he said, have left him with lingering insecurities that now influence how he raises his children. “Fifty percent of me is scarred by my childhood,” he admitted. “I get paranoid that my kids would gain weight. I carry childhood trauma. I keep saying, ‘Don’t eat sugar,’ but I also want to liberate them from it.”

Karan’s openness about his parenting style reflects a deep internal conflict — one between his desire to protect his children and his fear of repeating the same patterns that once caused him pain. “I get angry if they miss or bunk a football class,” he said. “They already have so many school activities, but I want them to be physically active because I know what it’s like to feel excluded.”

The filmmaker revealed that his parenting sometimes swings between being strict and overly empathetic. “I’m constantly trying to find balance,” he explained. “On one hand, I want to ensure they have discipline and structure; on the other, I don’t want to pass on my fears and anxieties.”

Another concern Karan raised was the impact of social media on children’s self-image. He described the online world as “dark, ugly, and unfortunate,” pointing out how it amplifies insecurities in both adults and children. “People zoom into your face, scrutinize every flaw, and pass cruel comments,” Karan said. “Today’s kids feel anxious if they aren’t ‘hot enough’ or don’t have enough followers. That kind of digital validation can destroy confidence.”

He acknowledged that, while growing up, he was allowed to be happy even as a plus-size child. However, he fears that the current generation faces more judgment than ever before. “Children who are physically different today are under constant pressure,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to see how early they start worrying about appearances.”

Karan also revealed that his concerns for his children’s emotional well-being have influenced his own choices. Known for his flamboyant fashion and love for glamour, the director confessed he has toned down his dressing style for the sake of his twins. “Because of things being said at school, I’ve changed how I dress. I’m a maximalist at heart, but I don’t want my kids to be embarrassed or teased because of me,” he said. “I’m even cautious about what they might find online. I don’t want them to come across old clips or moments that could make them uncomfortable.”

The filmmaker emphasized his wish to raise Yash and Roohi to be kind, inclusive, and accepting. “I want them to grow up embracing everyone — regardless of how they look, dress, or identify. That’s the kind of acceptance I wish I had felt more of as a child,” he added.

Karan Johar became a single father in February 2017 through surrogacy. He named his children Yash Johar and Roohi Johar, as a tribute to his late father, producer Yash Johar, and his mother Hiroo Johar — with Roohi’s name being a rearrangement of “Hiroo.” Since their birth, Karan has been vocal about the joy and responsibility of being a parent. He often shares glimpses of family moments on social media, from playful home videos to heartfelt birthday posts. Behind the glamour, though, Karan’s latest revelations show the emotional complexities of fatherhood for someone who continues to wrestle with old wounds.

Karan Johar’s honesty about his vulnerabilities stands out in an industry where image often overshadows authenticity. His reflections highlight broader issues — the lasting impact of childhood bullying, the dangers of body shaming, and the mental health challenges faced by both parents and children in the digital age. “I’m still learning every day,” he said. “Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. What matters is being aware, evolving, and ensuring your kids grow up feeling loved, not judged.”

Professionally, Karan Johar continues to stay at the forefront of Bollywood. His next production, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, directed by Sameer Vidwans, stars Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday in lead roles. The film is slated for a December 25 release and will face a major box-office clash with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh’s YRF spy-universe film Alpha.

As Karan balances his thriving career with his deeply personal journey as a parent, his latest revelations remind audiences that even the most successful people carry emotional scars — and that true strength often lies in confronting them.