Celebrated Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has always been known for his honesty, both in cinema and in life. In a recent candid interview with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, Johar opened up about some of the most personal aspects of his life, including his mental health struggles, loneliness, and regrets about never having been in a romantic relationship.
Karan revealed that he longs for companionship but finds it incredibly difficult to trust others, which has made forming romantic connections nearly impossible. “Because of who I am, it’s tough to trust easily. I wish I could be in a relationship. I’m not. And that’s one area of my life I really regret—an empty, unfulfilled space,” he admitted. The filmmaker emphasized that while he is surrounded by love in the form of his children and close friends, that deep, romantic connection has always eluded him.
Opening up further, Johar spoke about his ongoing battle with anxiety. He revealed that his condition worsened over the past two to three years, to the point where crowded spaces and social settings began to trigger panic attacks. Describing one such episode at a high-profile event, he recalled shaking uncontrollably and fearing a cardiac issue. A doctor later diagnosed it as an anxiety attack. “I met my psychologist. Then I started medication. And I’m still on it. Mein roz khata hu dawai, and hopefully, I’ll slowly wean off,” he shared.
Interestingly, despite being one of the most prominent socialites in the film fraternity, Karan confessed that he finds social events increasingly overwhelming. He now avoids staying long at Bollywood parties and has stopped hosting them altogether. This discomfort, he says, stems from his heightened sensitivity to social pressure and the fear of being judged.
Perhaps the most vulnerable moment in the interview came when Johar spoke about loneliness. “I am lonely, but I’m not unhappy,” he said. He explained that his loneliness doesn’t stem from a lack of people in his life, but from the emotional walls he has built. He finds it hard to share his true feelings out of fear that they might become a burden to others. Though he previously attended therapy, Johar now relies on self-reflection and inner dialogue to cope. “I’ve become my own therapist,” he said with quiet strength.
Karan Johar’s heartfelt confessions shine a light on the emotional struggles faced even by the most successful and seemingly glamorous figures. His vulnerability not only makes him more relatable but also opens the door for much-needed conversations around mental health, emotional intimacy, and self-acceptance in a fast-paced, often superficial industry.