You are the reason I can tell stories: KJo's Guru Purnima post for SRK, Aditya

Filmmaker Karan Johar marked Guru Purnima by paying tribute to two of the biggest influences in his life and career – actor Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Aditya Chopra. Sharing throwback pictures with the duo on Instagram, Johar reflected on the conversations that changed the course of his life and led him to become a successful director.In a heartfelt note, Johar revealed that the first turning point came when Aditya Chopra asked him to assist on Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), just as he was preparing to leave India for further studies.Recalling the late-night conversation, Johar wrote that Chopra convinced him he was meant to be a filmmaker. "He told me I had to be a director... He said if I didn't pursue this path I would be making a huge mistake," he wrote.The filmmaker said he was initially unsure of himself and sought permission from his father, late filmmaker Yash Johar, to spend a year working on a film set. He remembered his father asking whether he knew what to do on a set, to which he honestly replied, "No." Take a look at the post here: Johar also recalled his father's advice that hard work could make him a producer, but becoming a director required "only and only passion". The second defining moment, he said, came during a trip to Switzerland with Shah Rukh Khan. Johar shared that while they were on a hilltop, the actor told him, "Tu director banega and teri pehli film main karoonga (You will become a director, and I will star in your first film)."Johar admitted he initially thought Khan was joking, but the actor followed through on his promise after returning to India and even discussed the project with Yash Johar.Expressing his gratitude, Johar wrote, "I love you Adi and Bhai... I am here with my strengths and flaws, my ups and downs, my wins and my losses, only and only because of the both of you. You both are the only reason I can tell stories today."He ended the post by wishing everyone a happy Guru Purnima and saluting all mentors who have "paid it forward" by selflessly helping shape the careers of others.Johar made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji. The film went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters of the year and marked the beginning of Johar's long association with Shah Rukh Khan, while Aditya Chopra remained one of his closest collaborators and mentors throughout his filmmaking journey.- EndsPublished By: shweta keshriPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 13:11 IST