Karan Johar says he is 'paranoid' about his kids putting on weight: 'I get angry if...'

Karan Johar recently shared an intimate glimpse into the emotional scars that have shaped much of his life and identity. In a heartfelt conversation with tennis icon Sania Mirza on her podcast Serving It Up With Sania, the filmmaker reflected on his struggles with body image, societal judgment over his perceived femininity, and the lasting impact these insecurities have had on him—not just as an individual, but also as a father to his twins, Yash and Roohi.

Childhood Pain and the Roots of Insecurity

Revisiting his early years, Karan recalled growing up as a child who was heavier than most of his peers. He spoke about how difficult it was to find acceptance, explaining that although he was often told to be happy, he faced relentless teasing and exclusion. The environment, he noted, has only grown harsher today, as children and even adults continue to judge others without compassion. These experiences left deep emotional imprints that still influence his mindset.

Karan admitted that nearly half of his parenting anxieties originate from those formative years. He confessed to being overly cautious about his children’s health, frequently warning them about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption because of his own past struggles with weight. His apprehension extends beyond food—he feels a sense of urgency when they avoid sports, as it reminds him of the time when no one encouraged him to participate. He remembered feeling unwanted, often being told to join the girls rather than play football with the boys, leaving him with a sense of rejection and inadequacy that has never truly faded.

“Fifty percent of me is scarred from my childhood. I’m paranoid that my kids will put on weight. I keep telling them, ‘Don’t eat sugar. Dadda ate a lot of sugar and he suffered.’ When they skip a sport or bunk football, I get angry because no one pushed me back then..." he admitted.

Battling Body Dysmorphia and Deep-Seated Shame

Karan also spoke about his ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia—a distorted perception of his own physical appearance. Despite shedding some weight, he revealed that he still feels uncomfortable in his body, carrying the same insecurities from childhood. The teasing and humiliation he endured left him so scarred that he still hesitates to reveal any part of himself, emotionally or physically.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Finding Acceptance

Reflecting on how society conditioned him to feel “less masculine,” Karan expressed disdain for the way boys are taught to suppress emotion and reject anything associated with femininity. As a parent, he actively resists these norms, encouraging both his son and daughter to embrace all kinds of interests and gifts without bias.

He also shared how deeply he internalized others’ criticism growing up. His interest in cooking and flower arrangement led to further mockery, and even a speech trainer once advised him to change his voice and demeanor to appear more “manly.” For three years, he secretly took classes to alter his tone and posture, hiding the truth from his father out of embarrassment. Looking back, he admitted he lacked the courage and self-awareness then to confront the pain — a struggle he continues to heal from even today.