Karan Johar says character in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is 'borrowed' from his childhood

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Karan Johar, opened up about his latest directorial venture during a recent interview, 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', which has received a positive response at the box office. The film stars Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles, with Tota Roy Chowdhury essaying the character of Alia's father, a professional Kathak dancer.

Karan revealed that Tota's character in the film holds a special connection to his own childhood. He recalled how, during his college days, he faced ridicule and teasing due to his effeminate body language and his penchant for dancing to Hindi songs in his room. However, he mentioned that his father, the late Yash Johar, always encouraged him and appreciated his dancing, even showcasing it to his friends with pride.

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Karan shared, "My father used to watch and clap. Every time his friends came, he would say, 'Karan, show them the move.'" He emphasized that he never felt anything was wrong with his mannerisms until he went to college and faced judgment from others.

The filmmaker expressed that he carried the memories of being laughed at and called names for his body language throughout his life. He acknowledged that Tota's character in the film was inspired by his own experiences during his formative years. Tota's character, who faces humiliation on stage due to stereotypes associated with Kathak being considered feminine, resonated with Karan on a personal level.

Karan said, "Somewhere Tota's character is borrowed from my childhood. When he says, 'Hunar ka koi gender nahi hota (talent has no gender),' I believe that." The dialogue in the film holds a profound significance for Karan, as it reflects his belief that talent and expression should not be bound by gender stereotypes. While Karan didn't consider his past experiences traumatic, he couldn't help but wonder why his way of being was not accepted by others when his father was entirely supportive of it.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani showcases a powerful message through Tota and Ranveer's strong performances on the iconic song 'Dola Re Dola', which has been praised by the audience. The film, with its impactful narrative and nuanced characters, serves as a testament to Karan Johar's commitment to telling stories that resonate deeply with the audience.

As the film continues to make an impact at the box office, Karan's personal connection to the story adds an extra layer of authenticity to "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani." The film not only entertains but also encourages conversations about breaking gender stereotypes and embracing talent and expression without judgment.