Karan Johar reflects on being labeled ‘pansy’ in college for his ‘feminine’ traits: ‘Couldn’t embrace my true self as a boy…’
Karan Johar, a renowned Bollywood filmmaker, is known for being open and honest. Recently, the director of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani reflected on his childhood when he was often called ‘pansy’ because he was seen as ‘feminine’ as a child.
In a recent interview with Dr. Jai Madaan on her YouTube channel, Karan Johar shared that he felt different from a young age. He realized that he didn’t fit in with the other boys and didn’t feel comfortable in their environment. “Mujhe laga main doosron ladkon ki tarah nahin hoon (I felt I was not like other boys),” he said.
He explained that he stood out from other boys in terms of interests, hobbies, nature, and personality. Karan Johar admitted that during the ages of 7-9, he turned to food, chocolates, and desserts for comfort as he grappled with his inner struggles of self-acceptance.
It took years for Karan to accept himself and embrace his differences. He decided to no longer apologize for who he was and made it his strength. “I’ve to make that my armor in my strength. I don’t want to be apologetic about who I am,” he mentioned.
The filmmaker also addressed the issue of body-shaming and criticized those who use hurtful words to attack others. According to him, such individuals are insecure and use these tactics as a defense mechanism.
Karan mentioned that the term ‘pansy’ particularly affected him during his college years in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. He felt like it was an attack on his identity and it troubled him greatly.
He shared, “It was this particular comment which felt like a verbal attack on my core being, my personality and I couldn’t express main iss kism ka ladka hoon meri (I’m this kind of boy and my) choices or interests are different from other boys, but I feel jab vo mujhe attack karte the (When they used to attack me) it used to make me question my very being.”
Karan Johar is excited about his upcoming show, Call Me Bae, featuring Ananya Panday in a leading role.