**Why Karan Johar Once Considered Shutting Down Dharma Productions**
*By Isha Sharma | Oct 04, 2025 | 02:03 PM*
Karan Johar, the celebrated Bollywood filmmaker, recently opened up about a challenging period in his life when he contemplated shutting down his production house, Dharma Productions. Speaking to film critic Komal Nahta, Johar revealed that this thought came to him after the death of his father and legendary producer Yash Johar. During this difficult phase, he was even considering shifting his career focus from production to directing.
### A Turning Point in the Office
Johar shared a poignant memory of being alone in the office, grappling with grief. He recalled, “I remember after the fourth-day rituals at home, I went to the office and I was alone there that day.” It was in that solitary moment that the idea of shutting down Dharma Productions crossed his mind.
However, a deeply emotional event changed his outlook — the arrival of his father’s photograph to be placed and garlanded on the office wall.
### An Emotional Revelation
Reflecting on that moment, Johar said, “They were placing that photo on the wall and garlanding it, and in those five minutes I felt, what am I about to do? This is his company. He built it with so much hard work.” He added, “While they were putting it up, I felt like at that moment my father was staring at me.”
This intense emotional connection made Johar realize his responsibility to carry forward his father’s legacy.
### The Decision to Carry On
Overwhelmed by emotion and a newfound sense of purpose, Johar decided to continue running Dharma Productions. He shared, “So I looked at that and I went back into the room. I called my friend and said I’m not coming. I’ve decided what I want to do.”
He reflected on the timing of this realization, saying, “Even today, I feel it wasn’t just a photograph; it felt like my father slapped me from there, and that slap came through that picture.”
### Continuing a Legendary Legacy
Under Karan Johar’s leadership, Dharma Productions has grown into one of India’s biggest and most influential film production houses. The banner has brought iconic films such as *Kuch Kuch Hota Hai*, *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham*, and *My Name Is Khan* to audiences worldwide.
More recently, Dharma Productions has continued its success with projects like *Sunny*, *Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari*, and *Homebound*, further cementing its place in Bollywood.
Karan Johar’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.
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