Janhvi Kapoor: Late actress Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's daughter Janhvi Kapoor was launched by Karan Johar with Dharma Productions' film Dhadak, which is the Hindi remake of Marathi film Sairat. It was a launchpad Sridevi was most excited about. But as fate would have it, Sridevi was not by Janhvi's side when Dhadak released in July 2018. The late actress was quite close to Karan Johar and so is Janhvi now.
Alia Bhatt: It's no new to Bollybuffs that with Student Of The Year, Karan Johar gave Bollywood three stars to watch out for - Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. Alia has time and again mentioned that it was Johar's vision that gave her a headstart in the industry. Alia's films - Student Of The Year, 2 States, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Shaandaar, Kapoor & Sons, Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Kalank are Dharma Productions' ventures.
Collin D'Cunha and Lakshya Lalwani: With his upcoming Dostana 2, which stars Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor, Karan Johar will be launching two new fresh talents through Dharma Productions. Director Collin D'Cunha, who replaced Tarun Mansukhani (Dostana director) and TV actor Lakshya Lalwani, as the second lead face. "Both happy and excited to introduce the new kid on the Dharma block! LAKSHYA will be making his debut with us in #DOSTANA2 and from thereon, we hope to start a solid cinematic journey together! Please welcome @itslakshya and shower him with all your love and blessings... [sic]."
Varun Dhawan: He, too, is one of Karan Johar's favourite students. Varun Dhawan has worked under Karan Johar's banner Dharma Productions with films like Student Of The Year 2, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Kalank.
Sidharth Malhotra: Sid is Karan Johar's favourite and we all know about it. The duo is often spotted at dinner outings, movie outings or any parties for that matter. Sidharth was launched by KJo in Student Of The Year and was later part of many films produced by Dharma Productions - such as Hasee Toh Phasee, Brothers, Kapoors & Sons, Baar Baar Dekho and Ittefaq.
Abhishek Varman: He assisted Karan Johar in films like Student Of The Year and My Name Is Khan. However, in 2014, Abhishek got his big Bollywood break as a director with Dharma Productions' 2 States. He got his first 100 crore film with his debut venture and went on to bag the second film with KJo. Varman also helmed the recent biggie Kalank - the multi-starrer film - featuring Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur. Abhishek had also worked as an Assistant Director in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar.
Ananya Panday: Ananya Panday, daughter of Bollywood actor Chunky and his wife Bhavana Pandey made her debut with Karan Johar's Student Of The Year 2 opposite Tiger Shroff. Ananya thanked her mentor at the launch of her debut and even confessed that Alia Bhatt is her role model.
Tara Sutaria: With Student Of The Year 2, Karan Johar also launched Tara. The actress even graced the coffee couch, as she made her debut with Ananya Panday on Koffee With Karan as well.
Ayan Mukerji: He worked as an assistant director with Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. After a brief break, Ayan wrote the screenplay of Wake Up Sid!, which, when he showed to Karan Johar he offered him to direct the film. He later directed Dharma Productions' super-hit film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. There's yet another Johar film (Brahmastra) in the pipeline that has been helmed by Ayan Mukerji.
Karan Malhotra: Another Malhotra, who also launched by Karan in Bollywood is Karan Malhotra who was lauded for his debut vehicle Agneepath. Well, before getting a big Bollywood break, Karan Malhotra worked as an assistant director in films such as Jodhaa Akbar, My Name Is Khan and Jaan-E-Mann. KJo again collaborated with the director for Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra's Brothers.
Punit Malhotra: Nephew of fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who is also a very good friend of Karan Johar, Punit Malhotra made his directorial debut with KJo's film I Hate Love Story. But before getting the big break, Puneet worked as an Assistant Director in the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Paheli and Dostana. Well, Student of the Year 2 was helmed by none other than Punit himself.
Shakun Batra: After working as an assistant director in films like Rock On, Don 2 and Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Naa, Batra got his big Bollywood break in 2012 with Kareena Kapoor and Imran Khan starrer romantic comedy Ek Main Aur Ek Tu, which was produced by Johar under his banner Dharma Productions. Shakun later directed Kapoor & Sons.
Shashank Khaitan: He too was introduced by Karan Johar in 2014 with Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan starrer Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. In May 2016, Khaitan again collaborated with Karan Johar to write and direct Badrinath Ki Dulhania, under the Dharma Productions banner with Dhawan and Bhatt. Dhadak marked Shashank Khaitan's third collaboration with Dharma.
Sidharth P Malhotra: Another Sidharth that Karan Johar played muse to! In 2010, Siddharth P. Malhotra directed Karan Johar's film We Are Family, starring Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. Well, quite recently his directorial venture Hichki starring Rani Mukherjee, despite being a YRF's production venture, was promoted extensively by Karan Johar.
Sonam Nair: Karan Johar, is undoubtedly one of the best filmmakers in the film industry who have given breaks to talent. Director Sonam Nayyar made her directorial debut with Karan Johar's film Gippi, after which she also directed some short films and web series, which Karan Johar promoted on a personal level! He is known to be a sweet-heart for a reason!
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