Karan Johar reveals that he is always worried about Alia Bhatt’s future

In a new interview, filmmaker Karan Johar revealed that his main real passion is filmmaking, but he has side hustles purely for the sake of making money. Karan stated that he intends to direct seven films over the next decade to make up for his fairly limited filmography thus far. The filmmaker was speaking with Bharadwaj Rangan on Galatta Plus, and he not only discussed his many other sources of income but also stated that he cannot take credit for Alia Bhatt's success.

When questioned if he still considers himself a film director now that he organizes events and appears on television programs, Karan said, “Yes, everything else is just pocket money. I do a lot of those things for the love of making money. I don’t want to lie and say I’m doing it because I’m very passionate about judging a reality show. Of course, I’m good at being somebody who can offer judgement.”

He further adds, “We’re here to make the money to leave a legacy for our children or to have a lifestyle that you’re used to. Why should you be apologetic about it? But do I make a movie for money? No, that is something I would never do.”

He referred to Alia as the best actor working today, regardless of gender, and stated that he had no hand in her success. "I gave her the least difficult role of her career," he said, referring to Alia's film debut, Student of the Year. "Everyone gives me credit for Alia, but I don't deserve it," he added. He claimed that while he provided Alia with an "emotional launch," it was Imtiaz Ali who provided her with a "professional launch." Karan said that after watching Gangubai Kathiawadi, he called her and choked up, telling her that he feels fortunate to be working at a time when she is also present.

Karan also expressed concern that Alia had become 'too good too soon,' and that she would always have to outperform herself. "I'm always praying for her... Because it's far too much, far too soon. That was once said by Shah Rukh. 'Too much too soon, she will always have to be at the top of her game,' he said." The two will reconnect for Karan's upcoming film, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, a family drama. The filmmaker stated that he hopes Alia accepts any project he offers her, but he told her to do the movie if only she believes in it and not out of compulsion.