Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 18 hrs ago
Karan Johar says low self-esteem makes him pull away from romantic interest
On Koffee With Karan Season 9, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani called Karan Johar commitment-phobic during a conversation about relationships.
Johar said he can commit to friendship and parenthood, but pulls away when someone shows romantic interest in him.
He said low self-esteem is behind his reaction, joking that he wants to leave when someone says they want to spend time with him.
Johar has previously said he has had “one and a half relationships” and enjoys being single.
He said he felt a void at 40, but by 50 no longer felt he needed a relationship.
Johar is a single father to twins Yash and Roohi, and has said his children and mother are central to his life.
Karan Johar said low self-esteem leads him to pull away when someone shows romantic interest in him.
He made the comments during the Koffee Shots segment of Koffee With Karan Season 9.
Guests Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani called Johar commitment-phobic, and Kiara agreed with Sidharth’s assessment.
Johar said he can commit to friendship and parenthood but does not like people who like him romantically.
He has previously said he had been in “one and a half relationships” and no longer feels he needs a relationship.
- Who
- Karan Johar, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani.
- What
- Johar said low self-esteem makes him pull away when someone expresses romantic interest.
- When
- In the latest episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9, published November 12, 2026.
- Where
- During the Koffee Shots segment of Koffee With Karan Season 9.
- Why
- Johar attributed his reaction to low self-esteem issues.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Johar welcomed twins Yash and Roohi through surrogacy.
In a conversation with Faye D’Souza, Johar said he had been in “one and a half relationships” in his life.
In Koffee With Karan Season 9, Johar said low self-esteem makes him pull away from romantic interest.
- Show
- Koffee With Karan Season 9
- Segment
- Koffee Shots
- Guests
- Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani
- Johar’s explanation
- Low self-esteem issues
- Relationship history
- One and a half relationships
- Children
- Twins Yash and Roohi, welcomed through surrogacy in 2017
3 sources
What people are saying
It comes from low self-esteem issues.
I can commit to friendship, parenthood, but a relationship, I don’t like anybody who likes me.
I want to say on your last season of Koffee, Karan is the most commitment-phobic person I know.
That is true.