Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Karan Johar Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Parenting Fears
Karan Johar, a famous movie director, shared that when he was a kid, he was teased a lot for being overweight.
This made him feel very sad and insecure about his body.
Because he went through so much hurt, he worries a lot about his own kids, Yash and Roohi.
He's scared they might get picked on like he did.
He tries to make them eat healthy and be active, sometimes getting upset if they don't.
Karan also talked about how people made fun of him for seeming 'girly,' so he even took secret classes to change how he talked and walked.
He feels people often tell boys to act tough and girls to be delicate, which he doesn't like.
Even though he's famous now, he still struggles with feeling good about himself.
He wants his kids to feel loved and accepted, no matter what, and hopes they don't have to go through the same pain he did.
Filmmaker Karan Johar discussed how his childhood trauma and insecurities about his body image influence his parenting.
He described being a plus-sized child and facing bullying, leading to a fear of his own children experiencing similar pain.
Johar admitted to being a 'paranoid parent,' imposing strict rules on his twins regarding sugar and physical activity.
He revealed taking classes to alter his perceived 'feminine' traits, voice, and gait due to societal mockery.
Johar expressed a desire for his children to be accepted for who they are, rejecting traditional gender stereotypes.
- Who
- Filmmaker Karan Johar
- What
- Revealed the impact of his childhood trauma and insecurities on his parenting style and personal struggles with body image and societal stereotypes.
- When
- In a recent conversation with Sania Mirza for Myntra's Glam Stream, referencing his childhood and current parenting.
- Where
- In an interview conducted for Myntra's Glam Stream, with references to his childhood school days and current home life.
- Why
- To share his experiences with childhood pain, body dysmorphia, and the resulting fears that shape him as a parent, aiming to raise awareness about societal pressures and stereotypes.
Karan Johar's Personal Struggles and Parenting Approach
Societal Expectations and Stereotypes
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Karan Johar's Personal Struggles and Parenting Approach
Karan Johar battled body dysmorphia and insecurities as a plus-sized child, feeling uncomfortable in his own skin and experiencing significant emotional pain. He admits to still feeling like that boy despite losing weight, and has a toxic relationship with food.
Societal Expectations and Stereotypes
Society often reinforces negative body image through bullying and shaming, especially regarding appearance and weight. There are instances of public trolling for personal choices, like posting a picture in shorts, highlighting a disconnect between personal expression and public judgment.
Parenting Style
Karan Johar's Personal Struggles and Parenting Approach
Johar is a 'paranoid parent' due to his childhood trauma, fearing his twins will face similar bullying. This leads to strictness regarding sugar intake and physical activity, and a desire to protect them from societal pressures like social media anxiety.
Societal Expectations and Stereotypes
Societal norms often impose gender stereotypes from a young age, such as telling boys not to cry or that pink is for girls. This influences how children are perceived and treated, contributing to potential bullying and limiting individual expression.
Masculinity and Societal Pressure
Karan Johar's Personal Struggles and Parenting Approach
Johar felt compelled to take classes to alter his 'feminine' personality, voice, and walk due to mockery, even hiding these lessons from his father. He also experienced teasing for not being good at sports and being called names.
Societal Expectations and Stereotypes
There is a societal expectation for boys to conform to traditionally masculine traits, discouraging emotional expression ('don't cry like a girl') and participation in activities perceived as feminine. This pressure can lead individuals to suppress their true selves.
- Filmmaker
- Karan Johar
- Production House
- Dharma Productions
- Children
- Yash and Roohi
- Interview For
- Myntra's Glam Stream with Sania Mirza
- Childhood Struggles
- Body image issues, bullying, weight concerns, feeling like a liability in sports
- Parenting Concerns
- Children facing similar trauma, social media anxiety, weight gain, bullying
- Personal Efforts
- Took classes for voice and gait training, public speaking, cookery, and flower arrangement to change perceived 'feminine' traits.
Sources
Karan Johar says he had no ‘plus one’ for National Awards, felt the loneliest when he got the news: ‘No one to hold hands, share the highs’
Karan Johar Reveals He Had NO ONE To Share Happiness With After National Award Win: It Hits You Hard
Karan Johar Gets Candid About Loneliness of Being Single
Karan Johar opens up about life without partner, feeling lonely at winning National Award: ‘Whose hand do I hold?’
'Don't Want Shah Rukh To Say No To Me'