In the realm of Bollywood's most cherished friendships, the bond between Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan stands out, evolving from a surprising first encounter on the sets of "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ) to a long-lasting camaraderie. Karan Johar recently recounted this initial meeting, offering a humorous glimpse into how their relationship began.
Karan Johar, son of a film producer, surprisingly didn't attend film school. Instead, he found himself working as an assistant director on Aditya Chopra's DDLJ. His main responsibility was to find a suitable outfit for Shah Rukh Khan from a collection of costumes previously used in Sridevi's "Chandni".
During this task, Karan had the opportunity to meet Shah Rukh for the first time. "You should wear tight jeans; your body shape would look better in tighter jeans. You should show your Adam's apple because girls think it is very attractive," Karan advised the actor. Shah Rukh's reaction was one of surprise and amusement. He immediately called for Aditya Chopra and, according to Karan, exclaimed, "‘Ye Kya Bol Raha Hai?’ Who is this guy? Where did he come from? And why is he telling me to show my Adam's apple?".
Aditya Chopra's response was simple: "He is a townie; he knows all these things, so just listen to him". Amused by the situation, Shah Rukh followed Karan's advice. Karan, reflecting on the incident, said he felt like he had "found my calling".
This initial interaction marked the start of a friendship that has lasted over 28 years. Karan's early advice to Shah Rukh on the sets of DDLJ also sparked the actor’s long-standing obsession with well-fitted jeans. Karan jokingly revealed that Shah Rukh has an "OCD about the fit of jeans" and can even judge people based on their choice of denim. According to Karan, Shah Rukh can instantly notice badly fitted jeans and may even make assumptions about the person wearing them. Karan shared that he feels pressured to dress well when visiting Shah Rukh's house, Mannat, always conscious of his jeans.
Karan Johar has also acknowledged the impact of DDLJ and his subsequent films, such as "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," on fashion trends in India. He humorously takes the "blame" for the sangeet becoming a prevalent celebration across communities, alongside Sooraj Barjatya and Aditya Chopra.
From a somewhat bizarre first encounter on the sets of DDLJ, where Karan advised Shah Rukh on his wardrobe choices, to their enduring friendship and professional collaborations, Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan have created a memorable story in Bollywood. Their initial meeting, filled with humor and unexpected advice, laid the foundation for a bond that has thrived for decades, influencing not only their careers but also fashion trends in Indian cinema.