In the latest People magazine issue, Karan Johar opened up about his real-life Dostana and his ability to nurture friendships in an industry carved into camps.
He spoke about his ’older brother’ Shah Rukh Khan, ’soulmate’ Gauri Khan and close friends, Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra and Manish Malhotra.
We carry an excerpt from the interview.
Who is a better friend -- Shah Rukh or Gauri?
This is odd but, in a sense, she [Gauri] is like my soul mate. We chat up at least four times a day. She is as much family to me as my mother is. SRK is not my friend. He is my older brother.
I place him in my father’s position in my life. If I’m in a professional mess, I will make the first call to him. And if I’m in an emotional crisis, Gauri will be the first to know.
Have stories about your proximity to Shah Rukh ever made things awkward with Gauri?
No, not at all. We [Gauri and I] laugh about it all the time. Initially, the talks did anger me, but then I became indifferent and now it just amuses me. It’s ridiculous. [These are] people you consider your family!
Salman spoke out very strongly against SRK following their spat at Katrina’s birthday party. Was all the negative press very upsetting?
Shah Rukh has taken my father’s place in my life and I will stand by him rock-solid in every phase of his life. You have to understand that he is a global phenomenon today.
When you have that kind of stardom, other people will go through pangs of insecurities and envies. Every time anyone is in power, someone will try and displace him and that will go on.
Would you work with Salman after this incident?
Of course! If there is an opportunity, a film and a screenplay that needs his presence I think I would.
Despite being so close to SRK, you’ve maintained your relationship with the Bachchan family.
I have known them [the Bachchans] since I played in their garden when I was three years old. I have grown up with Shweta and Abhishek. I have the deepest love and regard for Amit uncle and Jaya aunty. When I lost my father, the whole family was a rock-solid support. Even now Amit uncle and Jaya aunty come home on the day I lost my father.
It’s a relationship and bond that has been built over the years and will go on for years. As far as I know, there is no problem between SRK and the Bachchans. I have never been asked to choose [between the two families] because both are extremely sensible and emotionally-evolved families.
I don’t think they will ask me to choose. My relationships are very strong and important for me. These are beautiful bonds and I will honour each and every one of them at every stage of my life.
If you had to choose between transient love and forever friendship?
Why make that choice at the first place? I would say there is a lot of love in friendship, and I have had great friendships.
But if you’re asking me to choose then I would choose love because I’m looking for love. I will choose love over friendship because that’s what I lack in life today.
Have you ever been in love? Have you been in love with a man?
That’s not for you to know and not for me to reveal. My personal life will always remain very personal to me.
