Filmmaker Karan Johar recently shared a candid recollection of a "frightening and emotionally taxing" experience during the early days of his career, specifically while working on the iconic 1995 romantic drama, *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge* (DDLJ). Johar opened up about an intense encounter with legendary choreographer Saroj Khan, revealing how her formidable presence left him "traumatised" as a young costume assistant.
Karan Johar's Early Days on DDLJ Set Karan Johar's journey in the film industry began as a costume assistant for *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge*, working closely with Aditya Chopra and renowned designer Manish Malhotra. He reminisced about the high-pressure environment, particularly during the filming of the evergreen song 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna'. Johar detailed his responsibilities, often acting as the main point of contact for costumes after Manish Malhotra had delivered the initial outfits, with Pamela Chopra also deeply involved in the process.
The Infamous Red Scarf Incident
The challenging encounter unfolded when Saroj Khan urgently requested additional red scarves for the dancers mid-shoot. Faced with a shortage of fabric, Johar, in an attempt to find a practical solution, suggested a creative workaround to Khan's assistant:
• He proposed dancers could stylishly put one hand in their pocket while holding a single scarf in the other.
This suggestion, however, did not sit well with the exacting choreographer.
Saroj Khan's Fiery Reaction and Johar's Trauma
Upon hearing of Johar's improvisation, Saroj Khan's reaction was immediate and intense. Johar vividly recalled her "losing it," demanding red satin cloth without delay and threatening to halt the shoot entirely. The situation escalated dramatically:
• "She caught hold of me — literally pushed me — and said, ‘Go wherever you have to. Go to Goregaon, bring the red cloth, or I will not shoot.’"
• Johar described frantically running through the streets of Goregaon with the costume dada, desperately searching for the required fabric.
• He confessed, "I was scared for my life. I was traumatised. She was terrifying." This harrowing experience left a lasting impression on the budding filmmaker.
Acknowledging Her Unparalleled Talent Despite the fear and emotional toll, Karan Johar was quick to acknowledge Saroj Khan's immense talent and her unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. He stated, "She was scary, but she was the best. She didn’t like me at all. She was just unhappy with me," highlighting the sheer creative intensity and perfectionism she brought to every project. Her formidable reputation was undeniably backed by her exceptional skill.
Lighter Moments: Unsolicited Costume Advice Amidst the intensity, Johar also shared a lighter memory showcasing his innate flair for fashion and his tendency to offer unsolicited costume suggestions. During the filming of 'Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam,' he playfully dressed the lead actors in dungarees, a choice that visibly surprised Saroj Khan. "She looked at them and said, ‘‘Yeh baba baby banke kyun aaye hain?’’" Johar recalled with a laugh, noting her humorous reaction to his continuous "two cents" on costumes.
This candid revelation from Karan Johar offers a fascinating glimpse into the demanding yet creatively charged environment of a blockbuster film set, and the formidable personality of a choreographic legend like Saroj Khan.
