Karan Johar Reflects on His “Terrifying” Experience with Saroj Khan During DDLJ
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently recounted a daunting experience from his early career while working on the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar described his interactions with the legendary choreographer Saroj Khan as both frightening and emotionally taxing. Despite the challenges he faced, he acknowledged Khan’s immense talent and her significant impact on Indian cinema.
Early Days in the Film Industry
Karan Johar began his journey in the film industry as a costume assistant for the 1995 romantic drama *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge*, which was directed by Aditya Chopra. Working alongside renowned designer Manish Malhotra, Johar learned the intricacies of film production. He fondly recalled how Pamela Chopra, Aditya’s mother, played a crucial role in the costume design process. Johar’s responsibilities included assisting with costumes, which provided him with a unique perspective on the filmmaking process.
During the production of the song “Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna,” Johar faced a significant challenge when Saroj Khan requested additional red scarves for the dancers. The team quickly discovered they did not have enough fabric on hand, leading Johar to propose a creative solution. He suggested that the dancers could stylishly hold one hand in their pocket while clutching the scarf in the other. However, this idea did not sit well with Khan, setting the stage for a tense encounter.
A Frightening Encounter with Saroj Khan
When Saroj Khan learned of Johar’s suggestion, her reaction was swift and intense. Johar described how she became furious, demanding immediate access to red satin cloth or threatening to halt the shoot. He vividly recalled the moment she confronted him, pushing him and insisting he find the fabric. “Go wherever you have to. Go to Goregaon, bring the red cloth, or I will not shoot,” she reportedly said. This left Johar feeling terrified as he ran through the streets of Goregaon with the costume assistant, desperately searching for the required material.
Despite the fear he experienced during this encounter, Johar later reflected on Khan’s exceptional talent. He acknowledged that while she was intimidating, her skills made her one of the best choreographers in the industry. “She was scary, but she was the best. She didn’t like me at all. She was just unhappy with me,” he noted, emphasizing the creative intensity she brought to her work.
Memorable Moments on Set
In addition to the tense moments, Johar shared a lighter memory from the same production. He recalled his tendency to offer unsolicited costume suggestions, which often surprised Khan. During the filming of the song “Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam,” Johar dressed the lead actors in dungarees, prompting a humorous reaction from Khan. She looked at the actors and quipped, “Yeh baba baby banke kyun aaye hain?” Johar laughed as he recounted how Khan would often question his fashion choices, highlighting the playful dynamic they shared amidst the pressures of filmmaking.
These anecdotes not only showcase Johar’s early experiences in the film industry but also reflect the high-stakes environment of Bollywood productions. His interactions with Saroj Khan remain a testament to the challenges and triumphs that define the creative process in Indian cinema.
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