Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 10: Filmmaker Karan Johar, now among the most influential names in the Hindi film industry, recently revisited his early days in cinema, recalling a phase filled with equal parts learning, nostalgia and fear. Long before stepping into the director’s chair, Johar worked as a costume assistant to Aditya Chopra on the 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) — an experience he admits was far from easy.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar revealed that legendary choreographer Saroj Khan “made his life hell” during the film’s shoot, leaving him deeply shaken. “I was traumatised,” he said while narrating incidents from the iconic film set.
Johar recalled a memorable episode during the filming of the popular song Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna. While costumes were primarily designed by Manish Malhotra along with Aditya Chopra’s mother Pamela Chopra, it was Johar’s responsibility to ensure smooth execution on set.
“At the time, the costume dada was my biggest ally,” Johar said, explaining that Malhotra would hand over the costumes in the morning and leave, while Pamela Chopra remained closely involved in overseeing the details. “She was completely on top of things, and I assisted her,” he added.
The situation escalated when Saroj Khan demanded red scarves for the dancers during the famous ‘Shaava’ step. With limited fabric available at the last moment, Johar improvised. “We simply didn’t have enough cloth. I suggested that dancers hold the scarf in one hand and keep the other in their pocket. Saroj ji’s assistant liked the idea,” he said.
However, the suggestion did not sit well with the choreographer. “She immediately asked where the other hand was and completely lost her temper,” Johar recalled. He said Saroj Khan physically pushed him and ordered him to source red cloth immediately, threatening to halt the shoot.
“I remember running around Goregaon with the costume dada, searching for red satin cloth. I was scared for my life. She was terrifying,” Johar said.
Despite the ordeal, Johar was quick to acknowledge Saroj Khan’s unmatched talent. “She was scary, but she was the best,” he admitted. “She didn’t like me at all and was clearly unhappy with me.”
Johar also recalled another moment from the song Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam, when he offered unsolicited costume suggestions to Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. “She looked at them and said, ‘Yeh baba baby banke kyun aaye hain?’ I answered back, which horrified her,” he laughed, adding that Aditya Chopra often shot him disapproving looks for speaking out of turn.
“Adi would look at me like, ‘Why are you opening your mouth?’ I really didn’t know better back then,” Johar said.